IT is 40 years since Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band first teamed up for their annual Christmas tour of the UK, singing ancient carols and capering about.

They mark the anniversary this year with a finale tour, and it starts at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre on 2nd December. The 16-venue schedule, which ends at Bradford on 23rd December, also takes in Bristol St George’s on 4th, Paignton on 6th and Stroud on 8th December.

The Carols and Capers 40th Anniversary and Farewell Tour brings “Queen of Folk Music” Maddy Prior and the classically trained members of the Carnival Band together again to mix renaissance, modern and ethnic instruments with a cavalier attitude and plenty of humour, putting their inimitable stamp on a range of familiar and not-so-familiar festive fare. It is always a Christmas party to remember.

If, like us, you dig out your Carols and Capers CD every Christmas and sing along, you won’t want to miss this chance to hear and see Maddy and the band live for a final time.