THERE'S always a buzz about the Brewery Arts Centre but it will be practically vibrating with energy when a host of exciting, emerging artists turn up for one of the finest music festivals on the British calendar.

Yes, Gateway, the incredible month-long celebration of Roots music, is once again bringing a splash of colour to the auld grey town of Kendal.

From Marrakech to Rio de Janeiro, Louisiana to Barcelona and Edinburgh to Jamaica, this year's line-up features acts from the top of their profession as well as up-and-coming artists the UK has never played host to before.

With a real mixed-bag on the agenda, audiences can expect to sample English & European Folk, Reggae, Dub, Latin, Asian, Jazz, African and Blues. And with discounts available if you go to more than one show, it's a cheap way for culture vultures to get their fix.

For the full line-up check out this week's Westmorland Gazette.