BEAULIEU Abbey is celebrating its 800th anniversary this weekend with an exciting illuminations and choral music presentation, in the grounds of the stunning 13th century structure.
The abbey reverberated for more than 300 years between 1204 and 1538 to the sound of devotional music.
And now more than 800 years after it was handed its Charter from King John its ground will once again come alive with the sound of monastic chant on Sunday evening.
The French words beau lieu translates into English as beautiful place, and this is truly a fine definition of Beaulieu Abbey.
As well as the choral singing there will be specially created imagery projected through the imposing arches, which will reflect the ages, which the Abbey has gone through.
Actor Robert Hardy, who stared as Cornelius Fudge in the recent Harry Potter film and as Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, will take guests through the history of the famous palace between every piece of music.
He will describe the Abbey's turbulent and eventful past from the first visions of King John to its final tragic dissolution.
The gates open at 6.30pm for picnics in the Palace House grounds before the concert gets under way, unreserved seating will be provided for the concert, which starts at 8pm.
Beaulieu Abbey. Tickets: £15 in advance, £20 on the day. Box office: 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/tickets.
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