This Saturday, South-East London is set to vibrate with the exhilarating sounds of brass and jazz as Woolwich Works presents Brassworks: Street Brass Carnival & Festival of Horns. This rambunctious musical all-dayer will turn Woolwich into a lively fanfare to celebrate its rich brass heritage and the dynamic contemporary jazz scene of the British Capital.

The brass bonanza kicks off at 11:00AM with a spirited Street Brass Carnival, where some of the historical squares, streets, alleyways and landmarks of Woolwich Arsenal come alive with the sounds of a multitude of horns. The brassy procession begins at 11:30AM in General Gordon Square with the Bollywood Brass Band, a long-standing, high-energy London-based Indian-style wedding band that blends traditional brass instruments with Bollywood music, all powered by the commanding beats of the dhol drum. At 11:50AM, She’s Got Brass takes over, an all-female group delivering a bold mix of jazz, funk, and creative brass arrangements. Then, at 12:20PM, the brass quintet from the very local Chineke! Orchestra joins in, fusing jazz, afrobeat, and contemporary brass elements to create a fresh and eclectic sound. By 12:30PM, the procession will flow into the Courtyard at Woolwich Works, setting the tone for an afternoon of musical delights.

From 1:30PM onwards, the action continues with extended sets from Chineke! Orchestra, Bollywood Brass Band at 2:30PM, She’s Got Brass at 3:45PM, and the talented saxophonist Byron Wallen at 5PM—known for his blend of classical jazz techniques and soulful improvisations. Festival-goers will be spoilt for choice with the diverse approaches to brass instruments, techniques, and styles, ranging from Bollywood and New Orleans jazz to classical and Pan-African influences.

Music enthusiasts will also have the chance to get hands (and lips) on with free tuba workshops throughout the early afternoon, hosted and led by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). This talented group of young musicians, inspired by Theon Cross and Steam Down, will guide budding artists through a variety of jazz genres, from bebop to contemporary fusion, offering invaluable experiences for those eager to refine their skills.

As evening falls, starting at 6:45PM, Brassworks reaches its crescendo with a spectacular grand finale concert—the highlight of the event. Headlining the night is Nigeria-born London-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader Camilla George, offering a captivating blend of traditional jazz standards and improvisational styles. She will be followed by Ife Ogunjobi, a member of Ezra Collective, showcasing his versatile trumpet skills, merging classical precision with nu-jazz and soulful vibes. Next up is Theon Cross, an inventive tuba-player pushing the boundaries of avant-garde jazz by incorporating elements of funk and electronic music. Closing the night is Steam Down, South London’s brass powerhouse, effortlessly combining timeless brass band melodies with dynamic jazz, hip-hop rhymes and beats, smooth soul vibes, and energetic funk beats. Together with the brass section of NYJO, they will blow the final notes and bring the Fireworks Factory down, delivering an unforgettable performance that fuses traditional brass with contemporary jazz flair.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be headlining Brassworks 2024,” says Ahnansé, founder and musical director of Steam Down. “This lineup is one of a kind and a game changer for London’s jazz scene. We can’t wait to bring our high-energy performance to Woolwich Works and share our music with the community.”

Supported by Royal Greenwich Festivals and hosted by the one and only Chris Tofu, Brassworks unites local up-and-coming talents with internationally renowned acts, contributing to making the London music scene the most vibrant and forward-looking on the planet. Whether you’re a brass enthusiast, a jazz lover, or simply looking for an extraordinary day and night out and about, don’t miss your chance to be part of London’s biggest brass festival and blow your horn in Woolwich this Saturday!

Tickets for the final concert at Woolwich Works, starting at 6:45PM, are available HERE
Meanwhile, the Street Brass Carnival & Family Day is open to all with free entry