THE Badbury Rings lit up the night for a special after-dark event.

Glow Badbury – a project coordinated by Dorset arts organisation Emerald Ant – gave families a rare opportunity to experience drama and music at the landmark after dark.

It featured a magical, illuminated arts trail, created through artist-led workshops with families and schools in the Badbury area.

Ahead of the workshops, More than 300 children were inspired by archaeologists and National Trust Rangers on a succession of field trips to the much-loved Iron Age Hillfort.

The unique project aimed to nurture an understanding for and appreciation of the natural and historic heritage of Badbury Rings.

It was carried out in partnership with the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy Estate, with key funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with other financial support from Dorset Council.

The community has been involved with the project from the start, Emerald Ant said, deciding what kind of project would most appropriately shine a light on the special heritage of The Rings.

The group then realised this ambition, celebrating the site’s layers of fascinating archaeology and ecology through Glow Badbury.

Fundamental to the success of Glow Badbury were the staff and more than 800 pupils from Pamphill First School, Witchampton First School, Allenbourn Middle School, St Michael’s Middle School, Yewstock School and Stour Connect.

“Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and a keenness to learn were central to the creative process, which provided an inspirational and engaging means of raising awareness of Badbury Rings and why this special place needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy,” an Emerald Ant spokesperson said.

“Glow Badbury was a shining example of collaborative working and community involvement, described by one of those who participated as ‘an artistic and logistical tour de force’.”

“Emerald Ant and the National Trust would like to thank all of those who helped make it such a success, they look forward to future collaborations engaging communities in their local heritage through hands-on arts.”

All pictures by Arts Development Company/Jayne Jackson Photography