AFTER spending 2,000 years as a well-kept secret in Japan, Taiko drumming has suddenly become big around the world.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms is staging a Taiko workshop on Monday, 7pm to 9pm, when anyone aged 13 up will have a chance to beat the drums.

The word Taiko means "big fat drum" but there is more to it than that. The drums are typically made from one piece of hollowed-out wood.

The largest are supposed to be cut from a tree that is at least 200 years old and can be more than 6ft in diameter. Up to a dozen musicians may play it simultaneously.

Smaller drums go down to six inches in diameter. They can be played sitting down, with large pointed sticks. To play the larger drums it is quite common to use a baseball bat.

Around 4,500 groups, ranging in size from two to 15 players, play Taiko drums in Japan. They may be heard at rice planting ceremonies, to wake up the rain gods, or in the concert hall.

Anyone coming to the workshop is advised to wear flat shoes and loose clothing. For tickets, ring the box office on 01584 878141.