Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band bring their carols and capers to the Apex

Renowned folk singer Maddy Prior joins up with the Carnival Band again for their annual festive show “Carols and Capers” next month.

Beginning as a one-off experiment for a Radio 2 Christmas Special, the collaboration between Maddy and the Carnival Band has become an ongoing concern, with regular tours and albums.

The instantly recognisable voice of Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior began singing in her early teens and hasn’t stopped since. Prior has been the one of Steeleye’s constants for over 40 years – her voice guiding them through a variety of styles, from her beloved traditional music to rock and pop.

A Carnival Band concert is a kaleidoscope of instrumental and vocal colour, crossing continents and travelling through time.

Between them, the band’s musicians have a track record in folk, contemporary, classical, baroque, medieval and Arabic music. Moving effortlessly from one to another they add a sprinkling of rock, world music and theatricality.

From the vibrant blare of shawms, bagpipes and electric guitar to the seductive tones of Turkish clarinet and fiddle and the enchanting delicacy of the renaissance cittern, the Carnival Band mix and match their collection of over 20 instruments, adding vocal harmony to create an astonishing range of sounds.

“Carols and Capers” is at the Apex, on Monday, December 6, at 7.30pm. Ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more information or to book.