AN ancient ruin will echo to the sound of festive music and song next week.

Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, will be the setting for an al fresco carol concert on December 16.

Bilsdale Silver Band will be joined by the choir from the Church of the Ascension in Middlesbrough for a festive community celebration.

The concert is an annual celebration which sees visitors from all over the region – and often beyond – come together to sing traditional carols within the atmospheric ruins.

The carol singing starts at 1.30pm, although visitors often start arriving for around noon.

“This is one of Rievaulx Abbey’s most popular events, with people coming back year after year to enjoy the carols in this unique setting,” said site manager Belinda Heighway.

The carol concert is open to all, with usual Rievaulx Abbey admission prices applying - £5.80 for adults, £5.20 for concessions and £3.50 for children, or free for English Heritage members.