YORK Museum Gardens will be transformed into a ten-acre illuminated wonderland next week.

The ruins of St Mary’s Abbey – recently used as the backdrop for the Mystery Plays – the front of the museum building and part of the walls will also be used for three large-scale projections.

The city’s largest Illuminating York Festival opens on Wednesday and forms part of the anniversary year celebrating the royal charter that allowed York to run its own financial affairs, trade freely and ultimately govern itself.

Comedian Vic Reeves and partners Bright White, Chetwoods and Arup will take over the gardens, where an imaginative space will be inspired by absurdist works such as Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, turning the expected upside down and revelling in the beauty of the unexpected.

As well as the large-scale projections, the botanical gardens will be brought to life using innovative lighting around trees and plants. This has been made possible though a partnership with Blackpool Council, which allowed the creative team to borrow items from its store of lighting technology.

Bars, restaurants and cafes are offering meal deal discounts during the festival, which runs until November 3, from 6.30- 10.30pm each evening.

Tickets cost £5, children £1 (under-12s must be accompanied by an adult), under-fives free.

Timed passes give an approximate time of entry with no pressure to leave.

Tickets are available from York Theatre Royal on 01904-623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.