Time to get blowing: Brassworks, Woolwich Works' celebration of all things brass

Brassworks at Woolwich Works

Brassworks, Woolwich Works' celebrations of all things brass returns to the multi-disciplinary cultural hub on the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich on Saturday 6 September 2025 with a parade through Woolwich, and a full day of free outdoor concerts in the courtyard.

The day kicks off with a parade through Woolwich towards Dial Arch and through the Royal Arsenal, winding its way to Woolwich Works. There, the Courtyard Stage will feature a whole variety of brass in free performances until 9.30pm. There is Crystal Palace Band, founded in 1901 and one of the few traditional Brass Bands remaining in London. In complete contrast is Bollywood Brass, the UK’s pioneering Indian-style wedding band, playing the great tunes and compulsively danceable rhythms of Bollywood.

Brassworks is hoping to reconnect people with forgotten brass instruments. They want to connect a community of players, who are looking to gain some brass skills, as well as have a hoot. So for Blow and Blast, during the afternoon there is a rehearsal workshop, and then the group will then have the opportunity to perform on the Brassworks stage led by Byron Wallen with members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Then Brassic Parp, whose members describe themselves as "Blurting out DJ style pop mashups with horns and a drum kit… all just so we can dress up as characters from Jurassic Park", and finally brass of a different style again with London Afrobeat Collective.

It is a a dog friendly venue and courtyard music is free of charge, with family games, a bar selling alcohol and soft drinks, an ice cream bike, a giant deckchair and a stretch tent to shade you from the sun.

Full details from Woolwich Works' website.