The Riff Raff Element took a temporary break this year after the departure of two of the band members.

However, after a recent practice session involving four-fifths of the line-up the Gaelic music outfit have decided to continue gigging around the town.

The band began life back in the late 1980s when it consisted of John Maher (bodhran, melodeon, vocals), John Butlin (piano, accordion, vocals), Kev Pelos (guitar, banjo), and Richard Leach (flute, fiddle,
whistle, guitar, vocals).

John Butlin departed the band about eight years later and was replaced by Toby Kessell (accordion, guitar, bodhran, vocals) and Tony 'Griff' Griffiths (percussion, harmonica, vocals) in 1996.

During their time together the band supported the likes of Phil Jupitus and the Blockheads and Roy Wood, performed live on BBC Music and had a run at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester.

The band played regularly until Toby's departure last year and Tony's earlier this.

However, after a practice session in the summer, the band decided to give it another go and the line-up, minus Richard Leach, has re-formed.

Juliette Maher, John's wife, said: "The band are keen to work on their acoustic side, especially catering for smaller venues, but they will still be doing the big gigs too."

The band's first gig in Harborough is on Saturday, October 11, at the Nags Head.

For more, visit their website www.freewebs.com/riffraffelement.