AFTER the incredible reception of their 2015 UK and Ireland tour, New Orleans' Hot 8 Brass Band are returning to the country to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

The band, who create a modernised version of traditional New Orleans marching music, will play a 23 date tour, including a stop at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal on May 28.

As well as playing the tour, the band will release a new album to mark their two decade long career. ‘Vicennial – 20 Years of the Hot 8 Brass Band’ will be released on October on label Tru Thoughts.

Speaking of his band's music, leader Bennie Pete said: "The audience can expect a New Orleans style party with a gumbo style of music served hot on a platter; or as we say down in New Orleans, 'some feel good music'."

Hot 8’s sound and energy has become renowned across the world, gaining them praise from BBC 6 music DJ Craig Charles, who described their sound as 'absolutely crucial'.

One of the great New Orleans acts, Hot 8 have pushed on through a barely imaginable series of trials.

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the separate deaths of four of their band members, and the horror of trumpeter Terrell “Burger” Batiste losing his legs in a car crash, conspired to test these men almost to breaking point.

They honour their fallen friends and help to work towards the future of their community by putting their energies into positive projects at home as well as touring as much as possible.

Bennie Pete said: "The music speaks to every issue or whatever problem we go through. We spread the message of how far we have come as a culture and a people, how far we have to go and why it's so important to carry on and continue the culture.

"We started out as high school kids with a common goal and vision to one day travel the world an become one of New Orleans' top ambassadors. We want to spread our music throughout the world.

"While on that quest to accomplish that goal we have lost some band members and family and friends and that's what fuels us to continue far as the future."