FOR many people a firm fixture of the festive period, the combination of Steeleye Span’s Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band has offered a unique take on timeless Christmas music ever since they first came together in 1984.

The pairing resulted not only in the acclaimed album Carols and Capers and many more, but a concert experience like no other.

To mark the fortieth anniversary of their artistic relationship, Maddy and The Carnival Band will tour the UK in what will be not only a celebration but also a farewell, the last time they will undertake such an outing - with Paignton’s Palace Theatre hosting one of these final gigs on December 6.

Together they will mix ancient and modern instruments and rich vocal harmony with a refreshing cavalier attitude and plenty of humour – putting their inimitable stamp on a range of familiar and not-so-familiar festive fare.

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

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 for extra flavour.

Their own songs draw on this rich palette, perfectly complementing the music of earlier centuries and other cultures and bringing their repertoire right up to date.

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 twenty instruments, adding vocal harmony to create an astonishing range of sounds.

They have toured the UK appearing at festivals and giving concerts in venues ranging from village halls to London's Cadogan Hall. Abroad they have ventured as far as Japan, with visits to Sudan and the Middle East for the British Council.

Of course Maddy Prior, the First Lady of Folk, needs no introduction. Best known as the lead vocalist of Steeleye Span she has recorded session work, albums of her own songs and eclectic styles from medieval through to British folk rock 

She left Steeleye Span in 1997 but returned in 2002. The 1999 album The Journey was recorded in 1995, when Maddy was still in the band, but not released until four years later. She was also one half of the duo Silly Sisters, which helped to boost June Tabor's career.

The show guarantees to be a Christmas party to remember and a celebration of a unique partnership. Tickets for the 7.30pm gig can be booked at www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk.