With a new CD and firmly established as a festival favourite, Gone Beggin' are spreading the word about World Music as JOHN ANSON discovered. . .

THEY'VE probably been seen by more people in East Lancashire than any other local band this summer.

It seems that no festival is complete without an appearance by Darwen-based Gone Beggin' who this year will be celebrating 10 years together.

The band's infectious brand of Irish, folk and World Music and an energetic live show has won them a huge following. In the past few weeks they have played at Darwen Live, Arts in the Park -- and last weekend at Accrington's King Street Festival.

As well as celebrating their 10th year together, the band have also released their fourth album, World Breakfast.

"In some ways the new album shows just how far we have come," said the band's charismatic frontman Gary Ward.

"We played our first gig on St Patrick's Day in 1995 and we were very much an Irish band. We played Pogues' songs and traditional Irish tunes and it went down a storm."

As the demand for the traditional Irish sound declined, Gone Beggin' began to evolve into the band they are today.

Primarily a four-piece, the core of Gone Beggin' is Gary, Julie Pilkington on vocals and percussion; guitarist Terry Walsh and Jill Casson on drums, although a number of 'guest musicians' regularly enhance the line-up.

"I think the most we've had on stage at one time is 11," laughed Gary.

This summer, Simon Fort, drummer with The Reserved has been standing in at gigs for Jill who has been sidelined through illness.

"It's completely different from what he is used to but I think he's really enjoyed it," said Gary.

World Breakfast features 18 tracks which range from traditional folk songs to numbers with African rhythms, the majority penned by members of the band.

"We've never really said that we do write the majority of our material," said Gary. "When people come to gigs they assume that we're covering traditional songs.

"We have a saying 'music without prejudice' which sums up what we do. When people think of folk or world music they often don't appreciate how lively and varied it can be. We try to bring that variety and enjoyment through in our music."

Gary is hoping the CD will help gain Gone Beggin' slots at some of the bigger festivals next summer.

"We'd really love to play Glastonbury." he said.

World Breakfast is out now on Sunbird Records and is available from Cue Music in Darwen.