AFTER a 10-year lay off from DJing, inspirational British broadcaster Andy Kershaw is getting back into the spin with a new Global Dance Night in Darwen on July 4.

As an events promoter in the 70s, TV presenter in the 80s, radio DJ and later BBC foreign affairs correspondent, Andy Kershaw still remains in people’s minds for his years on Radio One alongside the late John Peel and then his work on Radio Three.

Like Peel, he played an eclectic mix of alternative music but it was his love of world music which made him stand out from the rest. He was instrumental in bringing African bands to the UK in the 80s, bands like The Bhundu Boys and The Four Brothers all had Radio One sessions with Andy Kershaw.

Rochdale-born Kershaw began work for Radio Aire as promotions manager, a position he used - with station presenter Martin Kelner - to ruthlessly promote the UK's third-largest town without city status, Northampton. Unintentionally, at Radio Aire, he also helped to launch the media career of Carol Vorderman, and he made his broadcasting debut, fronting a late night alternative show and a weekly blues programme.

After being made redundant from Radio Aire in 1983, he was employed as a driver, tour manager and roadie by the singer Billy Bragg.

His big break came in 1984, when he was asked to present BBC TV's flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test, by its producer Trevor Dann, whom Kershaw had met when filming with Bragg the previous week. He subsequently recorded a television interview with his hero Bob Dylan, and a loud session from the Ramones. He co-presented Live Aid in 1985 His Global Dance show hits Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap in Darwen on Friday, July 4, at 8pm.

Gary Ward from Darwen Music Projects said: “It is brilliant to have such an inspirational figure come, not only, to Darwen but to the intimate settings of Number 39. I personally am a big fan. The music that Andy played on Radio One shaped the kind of music that Darwen Music Projects have been promoting since we started Darwen Live in 2000.”

Tickets for Andy Kershaw’s Global Dance Night are priced at £8 in advance and can be purchased by contacting the venue or by contacting Darwen Music Projects on 01254 704006.