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THIS spring sees the return of one of the hidden treasures of the roots music scene. Nestled on the edge of the Lake District, Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre plays host to the Gateway International Roots Music Festival, three weeks of gigs from some of the finest and most eclectic performers in the world. From renowned and veteran artists in the form of the voice of Clannad, Moya Brennan, Zimbabwean dance-music group Harare and leading dub-collective Pama International, to new and emerging talents like contemporary folk band Wheeler Street. Gateway 2009 also sees the return of Mauritanian-born musician Daby Toure whose exclusive performance was the highlight of last year’s festival and the catalyst for Daby’s first UK headline tour. With reggae, traditional and contemporary folk, African, dancehall and dub, Gateway will be three weeks of memorable and exciting music unlikely to be found anywhere else on the same bill. The festival takes place at the Brewery Arts Centre, one of the leading arts and culture venues in Cumbria and arguably the best for live music. Set in the South Lakes town of Kendal, yet only a few minutes from the M6, the building will be alive with the sounds of roots and world music for the three weeks of Gateway, well worth a visit.