Following the success of its latest edition, the event returns to Woolwich Works for another year – featuring a broad variety of acts with performers of all styles and backgrounds. Guillermo Nazara chats with the man pulling the strings, to learn more about the initiative’s development and how it trumpets the company’s mission of bringing local togetherness.
How does it feel to be bringing this festival back for another year?
It’s terrific to have another edition of Brassworks. We had such a huge positive reaction to last year’s event, with thousands of people listening to the eclectic range of music we presented, we had to do it again – bigger and better!
How did the idea for the event come about in the first place?
Woolwich was home to the original British brass band – the Royal Artillery Band was based here for several hundred years. Unfortunately, they left in 2014 and after a 10 year gap, it seemed right to bring brass back to Woolwich. So, there’s not only a historical nod but also a strong desire for the festival to be contemporary and fun too. And so, we seek out a range of different types of music played on brass instruments.
What does brass have that makes it so special to have its own themed festival?
I am a firm believer that everyone loves a brass band – the music they can play is so versatile and that’s what makes Brassworks special. From military marches to modern-day pop songs, classical brass quartets to Bollywood or Balkan music, we really seek out a huge range of different types of music to get everyone dancing about, and enjoying the amazing range that brass instruments can play.
This year’s programming will feature the most eclectic repertoire, ranging from African and New Orleans sounds to classical works. What has the selection process been like? What have you tried to deliver?
There hasn’t been a selection process per se, more of a seeking out of different bands, and researching different types of brass music. That curiosity has led us down some great rabbit holes and it’s been a joy to discover just how eclectic brass can be. That’s ultimately what we want to share with our audiences, and we hope that they’ll enjoy it as much as we’ve enjoyed pulling it all together.
This edition will also feature a special event, where every local with a brass instrument is invited to join in. Tell us more about this initiative.
I have been constantly meeting people who used to play an instrument (and I am one of those myself) so I thought it would be fun to offer all those people the chance to dust it off, remember how to play, and join in a project to form a festival band. It’s designed to help people regain their confidence in playing, to rediscover the positive energy from playing together and ultimately have fun, and to do it in the context of our Brassworks festival where they’ll be surrounded by terrific musicians and hopefully be inspired to keep playing afterwards.
Are there any other highlights in this edition you would like to tell us about?
Absolutely! But as we’re just putting the final touches on the line up, we’re going to keep that under our hats a little while longer. All we can say is, watch this space!
Is there any message behind the concept of this festival or its repertoire?
Woolwich Works puts on live events that entertain. We want to be the beating heart of a creative community here in Woolwich, and Brassworks is a terrific expression of how we seek to entertain, and offer something for everyone to enjoy. The breadth of the music is huge, and hopefully people will really respond to that. I won’t accept anyone saying ‘I don’t like brass music’ – because there’s so many different types that we are showcasing. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Why come see and join Brassworks 2025?
Come celebrate the range of brass music, join the party atmosphere, and definitely pick up that instrument that’s lurking in the cupboard and come join the band!
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Brassworks will play at Woolwich Works on 6 September. Further information is available on the following link.