For over 20 years Altan have been regarded as one of the leading exponents of Irish traditional music. As they head for a date in Oswaldtwistle on May 24, we spoke to singer Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh.

CONSIDERING it's seven years since Altan last toured the UK the response they've been getting so far indicates that not only have their fans not forgotten them, they've gained a whole set of new ones in the meantime.

"We've had some really great audiences," said singer Mairead, "it's been fantastic."

On Wednesday, the five-piece will be bringing their quality musicianship to Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.

"Audiences really connect with our music," said Mairead. "I suppose a lot of people do have roots in Ireland and have a strong family connection to traditional music. And also there is a strong link between English folk songs and traditional Irish music."

The band have also noticed that the growing popularity of folk music has brought a younger generation to their audiences.

"At every gig there are a number of young musicians who hang around after the show to chat to us about our instruments and our music which is great," said Mairead.

"I think that the significant difference we have noticed since we last did a tour is the amount of younger people staring to play traditional instruments which is excellent.

"It has always been something we have seen in Ireland where it seems everyone plays an instrument of some kind but now it seems to be spreading to England as well.

Altan have been together for over 20 years but they enjoy playing live now as much as when they first started out on the road.

"We all play because of our love for the music and because we enjoy entertaining people," said Mairead. "We do change the set around every night and we all have various solos which we do vary."

All five members of Altan are recognised as being talented instrumentalists in their own right and play a variety of traditional instruments to create the unique Altan sound.

"The really enjoyable thing about touring is being able to see some old friends again and meeting new ones on our travels," said Mairead.

Altan have just released their tenth album Local Ground which is a tribute to the origin of their music.

"We never forget who we learned this music from and where it comes from." says whistle player and fiddler Ciaran Tourish. "Our aim is to try and convey and capture some of the infectious energy and undeniable power that made these tunes attractive in the first place"

Altan play Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on Wednesday, May 24. Details from the box office on 01254 380293.