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On Saturday 21 September, Woolwich Works will debut Brassworks, London’s first brass only street carnival, with a grand finale concert.
The finale concert will be headlined by some of South London’s most dynamic jazz artists.
Steam Down will headline alongside the National Youth Jazz Orchestra’s horn section, with other performances from tuba virtuoso Theon Cross, Ezra Collective trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi and saxophonist Camilla George.
Brassworks will kick off with a free daytime carnival, a street parade through Woolwich’s town centre – from General Gordon Square to the Woolwich Works Courtyard.
The procession will feature a brass quintet from Europe’s first majority ethnically diverse concert band, Chineke! Orchestra, as well as the Indian music-inspired Bollywood Brass Band, the all-female She’s Got Brass, trumpeter Byron Wallen, and the Royal Greenwich Music Service.
The route will follow: General Gordon Square, Green End, across Victory Parade to Dial Arch, down No.1 Street, right along Duke of Wellington Avenue, at Wellington Park cut down to the river, walk along the river path back to the Woolwich Clipper and on to Woolwich Works. So you can join in the celebrations at any point.
All street parade musicians will then perform individually on the carnival stage at Woolwich Works Courtyard in the afternoon.
The National Youth Jazz Orchestra will also host two tuba workshops, inspired by Theon Cross and Steam Down, for budding brass musicians. (You will need to sign up in advance for these.)
Steam Down’s founder, musical director and conductor, Ahnansé said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be headlining Brassworks 2024!
“This lineup is one of a kind, an absolute game changer in platforming London’s jazz scene, and we can’t wait to bring our high-energy big band performance to the Woolwich Works stage.
“Get ready for a night of infectious afrosonic vibrations from our upcoming debut album alongside the UK’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra.”
The Brassworks roll call sees a star-studded lineup of the UK’s horn players, with many being award-winners. Ife Ogunjobi, with Ezra Collective, received the 2023 Mercury Prize, while Steam Down garnered two nominations at this year’s Jazz FM Awards. Camilla George was crowned Best Jazz Act at this year’s Urban Music Awards, and Theon Cross has also earned accolades from Jazz FM and a Parliamentary Jazz Award nomination, too.
They will all come together to mark South London’s rich brass music heritage. Woolwich was once home to the Royal Artillery Band, a historic ensemble of brass musicians dating back to 1557. Brassworks continues that legacy, while providing a new, vibrant stage for contemporary jazz to flourish.
As Woolwich Works approaches its third anniversary, Brassworks wraps up the venue’s summer programme, supported by Royal Greenwich Festivals.
Date: Saturday 21 September
Tickets: From £18 but use code WEEKENDER10 for £10 tickets
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD
