BIG NAMES and big sounds head for Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre for a month-long festival featuring the finest roots music.

The Gateway Festival kicks off next month and sees the Kendal venue netting vast and varied names from the international roots scene.

Energetic Central African nine-piece outfit Mose Fan Fan kick things off in the Malt Room on March 4 (8.30pm) with hypnotic melodies, deft dancing and Congolese rumba. The next night (March 5, 8.30pm) sees breaks, beats and belly dancing courtesy of Oojami.

The Abyssinians and special guest Dillinger propel the festival into week two with some roots reggae (March 11, 8.30pm). Reunited after several years of working separately, Bernard Collins and Donald Manning are joined by Jamaican toaster Dillinger.

The next night desert blues beckon. Formed in a Mauritania refugee camp, Tartit provide a rare peep into the traditions of Tuareg women (March 12, 8.30pm)

Sunday (March 3, 8pm) sees the return of Kate Rusby. Proud to be branded a folk singer although fitting none of the usual clichs, Rusby's voice, according to The Guardian, is the "most beautiful voice in England."

Week three and experimental outfit The Bays return to the Brewery. Playing on March 18 at 8.30pm, expect improvised drum n' bass, breaks, beats and techno that you'll never hear again. Live support from DJ AJ.

On March 19 it's Blood and Fire Sound System with motor-mouth toaster Rankin' Joe. The sound system make their return to the Brewery for a night of dub and roots reggae.

A Feast of Fiddles plays out for the festival finale. Dubbed the dream team of the British fiddlers the line-up includes Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), Brian McNeill (ex Battlefield Britain), Joe Broughton (Albion Band) and Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) on March 29 from 8pm.

Show Of Hands' Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph play on March 30 while Eliza Carthy and former member of the Waterboys Sharon Shannon wind things up on March 31.

For information on bookings and special deal tickets, call the box office on 01539-725133.