MADDY Prior and the Carnival Band return to Gwent this Christmas with a visit to Ebbw Vale's Beaufort Theatre on December 13.

The renowned folk singer and her madcap medieval revivalist companions promise a night of sparkling tunes, mixing medieval, modern, folk and ethnic styles, as they embark on another Christmas tour, and the release of their sixth album together.

Entitled Gold Frankincense and Myrrh, the new album follows their tradition of seasonal releases, with some exotic new twists and turns, and the centrepiece is a collection of original songs based around the familiar story of the Three Wise Men.

Each song tells the nativity from the points of view of different characters, including the men themselves, and the inhabitants of the stable in Bethlehem.

Reflecting the origin of the Wise Men, there is a touch of Middle Eastern spice to the band's trademark medieval instruments and sounds, with Arabic melodies, ouds, and percussion, tracing their journey to Bethlehem.

It's 14 years since Ms Prior, one-time lead-singer of the highly successful folk-rock outfit Steeleye Span, first teamed up with the Carnival Band for a Radio 2 Christmas special, and the collaboration has become an institution.

If you don't remember the name Steeleye Span, you might be familiar with their huge number one hit "All Around My Hat" which launched Ms Prior and her crystal-clear, very English voice, to international stardom.

The Carnival Band themselves, and leader Andy Watts in particular, are accomplished musicians, who are on a mission to restore energy and colour to the medieval and renaissance material they tackle.

They mix ancient, modern and ethnic instrumentation with a refreshing cavalier attitude, and plenty of humour.

As well as material from the new album, their very festive live show features a variety of Christmas music played on medieval and modern instruments. There'll be the old favourites like The Holly and The Ivy and I Saw Three Ships, along with secular carols like The Boar's Head, along with some rousing dance ditties.

Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band play the Beaufort Theatre on Thursday, December 13. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are priced at £12.50, with 50p off for Valleys Roots members. Box office: 01495 302112.