LEGENDARY folk singer Maddy Prior can be seen in a new guise when her latest tour brings her to the Mill Theatre at Banbury.

Best known as the lead vocalist of English folk-rock band Steeleye Span, she has now teamed up with instrumentalist and singer Giles Lewin and accordionist Hannah James.

They embarked last month on the 16-venue nationwide tour and arrive at the Mill on Friday, April 13, for a concert starting at 8pm. As a long-time collaborator with the Carnival Band, the new venture will see Maddy reunited with one of its stalwarts in fiddle player Giles, whose classical background has been diluted by several years with the After Hours blues band.

Joining them will be rising folk star Hannah who can be seen as part of Lady Maisry and has previously been seen in Demon Barbers and Kerfuffle. She will be bringing clog dancing to the show, as well as her singing and accordion.

Some 40 years after she appeared on the late 1960s folk club circuit, Prior is one of the best loved, respected and admired artists in British music.

She is acknowledged as an outstanding songwriter and an unsurpassed interpreter of traditional song.

However, over her long and fascinating career, she has explored an even broader musical palette, from traditional folk to hard rock and even electronic music. Her longstanding contribution to folk music was recognised in millennium year with the award of an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

The Mill’s programme manager, Deborah Clarke said: “Maddy Prior is one of the most enduring, influential and respected artists in British music and we’re thrilled she is coming to The Mill to perform.

“She has produced one of the most outstanding and varied bodies of work in British folk music and she has won admiration all over the world, not least for her involvement with Steeleye Span and the Carnival Band. This visit promises to be a fabulous night of entertainment which we’re sure music lovers of all tastes will enjoy.”

Tickets are £15 from the box office on 01295 279002.