HUMPHREY Berney, one-third of Brit Award winners Blake, admits that Christmas is a great time of year for the group.

“Christmas is almost perfect for Blake,” he said ahead of the trio’s festive show at Clitheroe Grand next Thursday.

“There is such a variety of music and styles. For a group like us who do everything from close acapella harmonies through to the Sinatra-like swing numbers it gives us a huge catalogue of songs to offer the variety which audiences so enjoy.”

Blake are returning to Clitheroe after a hugely successful show last year.

“As a performer it’s a lovely place to come and sing. Often the more intimate venues are the more enjoyable ones because you have such an immediate relationship with the audience.”

The Christmas tour is a particularly nostalgic time for both Humphrey and fellow band member Ollie Baines

“I’m not too much of an old Scrooge actually, I’ve always enjoyed Christmas,” he said. “As a singer and originally a chorister, Christmas was and is always a huge part of the working year.

“Ollie and I were both choristers and serious choir singers so we were at the coal face for most of December.

“I have really happy memories of carol services and singing in some of the great cathedrals around the country.”

This year, Humphrey will have an added reason to enjoy the magic of Christ,mas - he’s become a father for the first time.

“Having a new daughter adds a new dimension to Christmas,” he said.

Blake have become massive favourites with audiences around the country not just for their amazing vocal range but due to the informality and fun elements in their performances.

“We will have been together 10 years in March and one of the things that has become part of our identity is that it’s not just a concert.

“It’s a show and an intimate event where we do like to interact with the audience.

“We achieve that whether it’s our stage and screen tour or our Christmas tour.

“It is important for us for every show to be different. Other groups out there stick to a script and if that works that’s great. We also have points of chat which work but depending on the audience we will react to it and have some fun with them. That keeps it fresh for everyone.”

With the tenth anniversary looming Humphrey said that preparations are well underway to make the occasion.

“We are planning an album,” he said. “We’ve done six now and they have covered a big range of musical styles.

“I think we might go back to that big romantic feel with the album, a sort of Mario Lanza/Matt Monroe feel.

“It’s a chance for us to really use our voices.

“In the show, we sing some very intimate stuff and also do some big, impressive vocal numbers. We’ve found that people get really excited when you are going for the big notes.

“There will definitely be some exciting stuff next year.”

Blake at Christmas, Clitheroe Grand, Thursday, December 15. The show is sold out. Check for returns 01200 421599