The band is rasing funds for its own marching drum bearing the North Lakes Brass name having borrowed from supportive neighbouring bands in the first few years of our existence. Our costs and expenses are met by the players and occasionally we need to provide additional equipment particularly percussion instruments. As any percussionist will tell you, you can’t beat a good drum and we‘re looking to get a good one !

I mentioned I was going to do my own ”Camino” this spring by walking to Durham Cathedral and someone in the band suggested I could walk to raise funds as we need the drum for the Miners Gala which we‘re doing for the first time in July. So after much weather watching I‘m going to set off on Thursday 25 April doing about 10 miles a day over four or five days, its not an endurance challenge although the first day is a bit steep.

There‘s not a lot of money around for many people so I am asking if anyone with “broad shoulders” could help with a small donation to help spread the cost. The drum will get good use with a number of outdoor summer events again this year.

WIGTON CARNIVAL 2023. A well earned half way break on a warm day last year.

DURHAM MINERS GALA is still going strong after more than 150 years. A popular event for northern brass bands and one that North Lakes Brass will take part in this year for the first time. It remains a great spectacle through the city with lots of brass bands.

DUFTON TO DURHAM walk April 2024

Its about 60 miles up over High Cup Nick , along the Tees for a bit and through Bishop Auckland and to Durham. I‘ve had a look at a map. It seems like a good idea involving tea shops, hosteries and some of the Norths finest tourist attractions and landscapes but we will see There will be updates and I would be delighted to have your encouragement .