AS the all female, early music and folk ensemble, the Mediæval Bæbes, gear up for their biggest UK tour, which includes a date at Chagford, the Mid-Devon Advertiser spoke with founding member, singer and musical director of the group, Katherine Blake.

‘The Mediæval Bæbes started in 1996, we’ve been going for 26 years, if you can believe it!

‘There has been lots of line up changes over the years, there has probably been more than 30 women who have been a part of the Mediæval Bæbes.

‘It has been an epic journey,’ Katherine said.

The bæbes are gearing up for their ‘MydWynter’ tour, the name for which is taken from the groups upcoming album due for release in November, which will see them perform at such venues as Truro Cathedral, St John the Baptist’s Church in Glastonbury and the Archangel’s Church in Chagford.

‘This tour is, I think, the biggest UK tour we have ever done, it coincides with our new album, Mydwynter, which is a Christmas seasonal album’ Katherine added.

Katherine, who is a classically trained musician, having attended the Purcell School of music, has been singing medieval style music for many years.

‘My first ever album with my previous band, Miranda Sex Garden, was 26 acapella madrigals.

‘I have always really loved early music, I find it very romantic and with the Mediæval Bæbes we are really exploring the fantasy side of it, we are not trying to be authentic to the period  or anything.

‘A lot of the music I write myself but in a sort of medeival, folky style.

‘When people come to our gigs it is very much about the overall experience: we dress up, there are dance routines, so it very much a show.

‘We are trying to get away from that sort of dry, early music, trying to authentic side of it’ Katherine said.

The Mediæval Bæbes will be performing at St Michael the Archangel’s Church in Chagford on December 16 as part of their MydWynter Tour.

MydWynter is the 11th Studio album and due for release on November 25.

► Tickets for the show are available from https://www.mediaevalbaebes.com