Mediaeval Baebes To Celebrate 30 Years Of Music With Ryde Anniversary Concert

Internationally acclaimed vocal group The Mediaeval Baebes will bring their 30th anniversary celebrations to Ryde later this year with a special performance at All Saints Church.

The group will perform on Friday 4 December as part of their anniversary tour, marking three decades of their distinctive blend of medieval-inspired music, haunting harmonies and original compositions.

The story of The Mediaeval Baebes began in 1996, when musical director and composer Katharine Blake gathered a group of friends for a midnight performance of madrigals in London’s Abney Park Cemetery.

Those unusual beginnings went on to create one of the most recognisable vocal ensembles in the world, with the group releasing 12 studio albums and performing at venues ranging from castles and cathedrals to major festivals.

Their achievements include winning an Ivor Novello Award for their work on the BBC drama The Virgin Queen, alongside two Emmy nominations and a Royal Television Society award for their contribution to the theme music of ITV’s Victoria with composer Martin Phipps.

The Ryde concert will feature music from their latest album, The Spinning Wheel, a collection of 12 songs inspired by the months of the year and the changing seasons.

The performance will begin with a torchlit procession, accompanied by medieval instruments and drums, before audiences are taken on a journey through ancient texts, traditional melodies and newly written compositions.

The Mediaeval Baebes have toured extensively across the UK, United States, Canada, Asia and Europe, performing at iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Tewkesbury Abbey, Jersey Opera House and the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

They have also toured alongside Jools Holland, supported Michael Flatley at Hyde Park and performed at the legendary Lilith Fair festival.

The group's unique sound combines traditional and folk influences with original arrangements from Katharine Blake, who is also known as the lead singer and songwriter of 1990s avant-garde rock band Miranda Sex Garden.

Their most recent work includes collaborations with electronic group Orbital and viral folk ensemble The Wellermen, while The Spinning Wheel was released in February 2026 to coincide with their 30th anniversary year.

Tickets for the Ryde performance are available via the Mediaeval Baebes website.