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11
Oct
GALLERY: The spectacular Fountains by Floodlight returns for October
One of the district's oldest and most atmospheric annual visitor attractions returns this month in a blaze of multi-coloured light.
Fountains by Floodlight, which opens tonight (Friday, October 9) will show Fountains Abbey as its rarely been seen before – its towers lit up with white light and its walls illuminated with vivid, made-to-measure animated projections.
Huby's tower looming over the cloisters. Photo: John Shepherd.
You can see more images if you scroll down to the gallery below.
Fountains by Floodlight first transformed Fountains Abbey in 1932, when the Vyner family used luminaires to spectacularly light the UK’s largest monastic ruin.
This year's event also features a new rolling six-minute projection show, commissioned by the National Trust and created by Illuminos, bringing the story of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to life across the West Door of the abbey.
Photo: John Shepherd.
Through light, colour, sound and movement, the show presents an artistic interpretation inspired by the history, landscapes and stories of this extraordinary place.
Milly Hodgson, visitor experience officer for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:
For generations, Fountains by Floodlight has offered visitors a way to experience the abbey after dark. This year, we're delighted to introduce a new projection show that adds another layer to the experience, bringing the stories of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to life in an artistic, engaging and immersive way.
Alongside the much-loved floodlit ruins, these projections provide a new feature that enhances the evening experience while celebrating the beauty and history of this special place.
Gregorian chant
Alongside the illuminated ruins, visitors can wander through glowing archways and shadowed pathways, enjoy volunteer-led guided tours revealing the abbey's rich history, and listen to live choral performances within the atmospheric surroundings of the cellarium. Gregorian chant will once again echo from Huby's Tower, creating a haunting soundtrack to the evening experience.
Fountains Abbey lit up against the autumn night sky. Photo: John Shepherd.
Seasonal food and drink will also be available in the Mill Yard.
Justin Scully, general manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:
Over 94 years, Fountains by Floodlight has evolved into a much-loved tradition, offering visitors the chance to experience the ruins of Fountains Abbey in a completely different way. Seeing the ruins illuminated against the night sky remains just as magical today as it was for those visitors in 1932 and while the floodlit ruins remain at the heart of the experience, these new projections offer visitors another way to connect with the history and beauty of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Gallery
Photo: John Shepherd.
The projections move, bringing the ancient building to life. Photo: Ant Chappel Ross.
Fountains Abbey's famous vaulted undercroft – all lit up. Photo: Ant Chappel Ross.
The projections have been designed to perfectly fit the architecture at Fountains Abbey. Photo: John Shepherd.
Three buildings lit by projections from Illuminos. Photos: John Shepherd (left and right) and Ant Chappel Ross (centre).
Photo: Ant Chappel Ross.
Local street food sellers at Fountains Abbey. Photo: John Shepherd.
Fountains by Floodlight takes place on selected evenings throughout October. Booking is essential. Entry tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children. Under-5s, National Trust and English Heritage members can visit free of charge, but must still book a ticket.
For more information about Fountains by Floodlight, including dates and times, go to the National Trust's website.
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