STOMPING folk rockers Waking the Witch are performing at Riga Music Bar as part of their farewell tour this Friday.

The four Yorkshire lasses have racked up a loyal following throughout their five years together, but have decided to quit the business to spend more time at home.

"We are extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last five years," says Jools Parker from the band.

"We have played some great venues, made three highly acclaimed CDs and had a fantastic time, but now, for all four of us, it feels the right thing to do to concentrate more on family life and be at home."

All four girls write songs, sing harmonies and play the acoustic guitar. They got together in 2003 and took the northern acoustic scene by storm.

The release of their debut CD Like Everybody was followed by Hands and Bridges in 2005. Both albums produced waves of excitement throughout the UK circuit.

Soon they had completed a national tour as guests of the recently formed supergroup, Casbah Club (featuring members of Big Country and Bruce Foxton of the Jam) and made appearances at many UK festivals, including Glastonbury and Cambridge.

Third album Boys From the Abattoir last year signified a huge move forward for the band. It was produced by Dave Creffield, who had previously worked with the Kaiser Chiefs and Embrace.

This album took the band to new level of national recognition, receiving rave reviews and extensive local and national airplay. It was also selected by the Mercury Awards team as a contender for the 2007 prize.

The girls have now decided to call it a day and this tour will be the last opportunity to see them live.

Clive Cowan will be supporting the group at Riga.