Festival and carnival of horns will see the south-east London arts venue host a day of gigs in September
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what’s all this?
This is Brassworks 2025, a day-long “festival and carnival of horns” that’s coming to south-east London next month.
blowing its trumpet?
I see what you did there. We are. The event is set to feature a diverse selection of brass collectives performing outdoors and the best thing is, it’s free to attend.
where’s this happening?
Brassworks will take place in the courtyard at Woolwich Works following a parade from General Gordon Square.
For those who’d like to dance their way through the town, the promenade performance starts at noon.
then what happens
Once the march through Royal Arsenal Riverside to Woolwich Works is done the festivities kick off with a DJ set at 12.30pm.
Then it’s a succession of live bands from 1pm.
who’s on the bill?
Kicking off the live sets at 1pm will be the Crystal Palace Brass Band.
Founded in 1901, this historic ensemble brings more than a century of tradition to the stage with everything from classical arrangements to film scores in their repertoire.
a strong start…
And there’s more to come. Bollywood Brass will combine powerful horns with dhol drumming to get the audience moving from 2pm.
This will be followed by Blow And Blast, a performance where audience members are encouraged to dust off their instruments, fill their lungs and participate.
what then?
From 4pm, Brassic Parp will perform a set of DJ-style pop medleys dressed as characters from Jurassic Park (for some reason).
Expect plenty of John Williams themes.
and rounding things off…
Then it’s up to the London Afrobeat Collective to finish things off with a headline set starting at 6.30pm.
Expect a heady blend of afrobeat, funk, jazz and Latin sounds with a performance that promises “raucous energy and danceable grooves”.
The eight-strong multinational ensemble has a solid following in the capital and has toured across Europe.
they say
“Brassworks celebrates the power, heritage and future of brass music in London,” said Liat Rosenthal, head of creative programming at Woolwich Works.
“We’re thrilled to present an inclusive line-up spanning cultures and genres, alongside opportunities for everyone to get involved.
“Last year’s inaugural event was a fantastic day and we hope to build on that success this year.”
anything else I should know?
Yes, since you ask. You know the Blow And Blast performance at 3pm?
Well there’s a bit more to say about that.
The project is aimed at reuniting players with their brass instruments that perhaps have lain untouched for some time.
To that end, players of all levels are invited to attend a rehearsal session from 1pm-2.30pm at Woolwich Works before having the chance to play the Brassworks stage shortly afterwards.
Those interested can simply show up or find out more about the communal blow via email to rosie.gilbertson@woolwick.works
key details: Brassworks
Brassworks 2025 starts at noon on September 6, 2025, in General Gordon Square with performances at Woolwich Works from 12.30pm.
All are free to watch with full timings available online here
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