Live Music in and around Durham City
North East England is renowned for its rich and varied musical heritage, and Durham is no exception. Whether you enjoy classical concerts, brass bands, folk music, jazz, opera, rock or pop, there are opportunities throughout the year to experience live music concerts and festivals in and around Durham city.
Durham Pointers keep a list of the city’s main annual events on our website, but here’s a closer look at specific musical events.
Music in Durham City
Rick Wakeman's grand piano on stage at the Gala Theatre
Durham University supports a varied programme of concerts featuring both student musicians and distinguished visiting performers, while The Northern Sinfonia, based at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, frequently performs orchestral and chamber music in Durham.
The Gala Theatre, located in Millennium Square, hosts an extensive programme of musical performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from local talent to internationally acclaimed artists, with genres including rock, pop, folk, jazz, musicals and opera.
One of Durham's most famous musical events is the Durham Miners' Gala, held on the second Saturday in July. More than 50 brass bands march through the city, travelling from the Market Place across Elvet Bridge to the Racecourse before returning through the city centre.
The DMA band performing at Redhills
Redhills, the Durham Miners’ Hall, usually hosts a varied music programme which includes tribute bands as well as the DMA Brass Band concerts
Singing amongst the washing machines at the Old Cinema Launderette
During the summer and autumn months there are also regular music performances in Crook Hall Gardens and the summer brass concerts in Wharton Park are a popular feature of summer Sundays in the city.
Small venues, such as The Old Cinema Launderette in Gilesgate and Claypath Deli, just a short walk from the city centre, often host more intimate events, with performers and audience in close proximity. Pubs such as The Woodman, The Angel and Katie O’Brien’s Irish Tavern often have live music at weekends too.
Music in Historic Settings
Candlelit performance of a Dire Straights Tribute Band in Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral provides a magnificent setting for music of all genres and styles. Its choristers continue the long tradition of Anglican church music, performing regularly as part of the Cathedral's services. There are often organ recitals and orchestral events too. The Music by Candlelight series celebrates the work of more recent musicians such as Bowie, Coldplay and Kate Bush, to name just a few.
Ushaw Historic House, just a few miles from Durham, often hosts concerts in the theatre or in the stunning St Cuthbert’s Chapel.
Music Festivals in Durham
Steel pans on the grass waiting for the start of the Miners' Gala
The day following the Miners’ Gala marks the start of the week-long Brass Festival. Alongside outstanding traditional brass bands, the festival showcases innovative music and dance performances from around the world that feature brass instruments in creative and unexpected ways.
Later in the summer, the Durham Fringe Festival brings together music, drama and comedy performances.
The city's musical calendar continues into autumn with the Durham Folk Festival, in September and the Durham Jazz Festival in October. Both festivals include headline performances in larger venues alongside smaller, more intimate gatherings located all around the city. There are even events on the Prince Bishop River Cruiser
Music Beyond Durham City Centre
Many pubs across Durham and the wider North East host regular open mic sessions, offering opportunities to enjoy local performers in an informal setting.
Kiddars Luck performing at Beamish Museum
There are also regular musical performances at Beamish Museum and at Washington Old Hall in nearby Washington.
This list is far from exhaustive. There is always something new to discover on Durham's vibrant music scene.
Finding more music venues in Durham
The best way to find up-to-date information about forthcoming performances is through the individual websites mentioned above, or by exploring these additional links:
This is Durham : Visit the What's On section and search for "music" to find upcoming performances and events across County Durham.
Bandsintown : Search for "Durham UK" to discover upcoming concerts and performances.
Music in Durham lists classical music around the city.
Don’t forget to visit our Things to Do in Durhampages. You’ll find links to museums, galleries, heritage sites and seasonal activities with up-to-date opening hours. You may also like Durham for Adults
Follow Durham Pointers on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on events in Durham city centre,.
Simon has been a Durham Pointer for 5 years. As a musician himself he plays several instruments at local events.