THE ruins of Rievaulx Abbey will be bathed in light for three evenings this week.

From Friday to Sunday, 7pm to 10pm, coloured lights will bring out different features from the ancient stonework.

Musician and inventor Michael Davis, whose work Illumaphonium featured at the abbey last year, will be appearing again this year with a work entitled Halo, an interactive light and sound installation which responds to touch.

The structures, which stand about three metres tall, will be dotted around the abbey cloister adding gentle sound to the lights.

Paul Robson, events manager north at English Heritage, said: “Rievaulx Abbey is a beautiful site whatever the season but in the dusk with the lights shining on it, it will be simply stunning.

"We are providing a free shuttle bus service from Helmsley to make it easier for visitors to join us for an unforgettable evening of light and sound.

"We’ll have marshmallows in a fire-pit, hot chocolate and our popular café will be open for light meals and snacks too.”

The shuttle bus service will run from Helmsley and visitors are asked to make use of this free service as parking at Rievaulx is limited to blue badge holders.

Pre-booking is essential. Tickets can be purchased online, in the abbey shop or phone on 0370 3331183.