Ruins to ring with the sound of music!

Rievaulx Abbey, Sunday 18 December

The spectacular ruins at Rievaulx Abbey on the North York Moors will be the setting for an al fresco Christmas carol concert on Sunday 18 December, with the Bilsdale Silver Band leading the musical celebrations.

The annual event, which attracts visitors from all over theUK, is one of the highlights ofRievaulx Abbey’s winter event programme, as the band invites the massed visitors to join in with traditional Christmas carols within the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey.

“This is always a very special event, signifying the real start of the festive season for many people” says English Heritage’s regional events manager, Jon Hogan. “With no roof between the nave and the heavens, the acoustics in the abbey are fantastic, which gives a very special sound when the band and congregation join instruments and voices.”

For the community of Rievaulx, the concert provides an excellent opportunity for them to welcome visitors with hot drinks and mince pies served in the church hall next toRievaulx Abbeyduring an interval in the carol singing.

The Christmas Carols start at 1.30pm in the ruins ofRievaulx Abbey. Visitors are advised to wear warm and waterproof clothing in case of inclement weather. In very bad weather conditions, the concert will be moved indoors to the neighbouring church.

Rievaulx Abbey’s gift shop will also be open, offering a wide range of gift ideas and stocking fillers, from toys and games to Celtic jewellery, and a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wines, spirits and the exclusive Brother Antony ale.

Admission to the event is £5.60 for adults, £5.00 for concessions and £3.40 for children. English Heritage members get in free. For further details, please contact Rievaulx Abbeyon 01439 798228 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (Yorkshire)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk