Local families enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience drama and music at Badbury Rings after dark at Emerald Ant’s recent ‘Glow Badbury’ event.

It featured an illuminated art trail, created through artist-led workshops with local families and schools. Ahead of the workshops over 300 children, inspired by archaeologists and National Trust Rangers, went on a succession of field trips to the Iron Age Hillfort.

This unique arts project, intended to nurture an understanding for and appreciation of the natural and historic heritage of Badbury Rings, was carried out in partnership with the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy Estate, with key funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with other funding from Dorset Council.

The local community had been involved with the project from the start, in deciding what kind of project would most appropriately shine a light on the special heritage of The Rings. Dorset Arts organisation Emerald Ant 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 over 800 pupils of Pamphill First School, Witchampton First School, Allenbourn Middle School, St Michael’s Middle School, Yewstock School and Stour Connect.

A spokesman said: “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.”