The gates to one of the country's most historic sites will be flung open for free this weekend.

Following the pandemic, Glastonbury Abbey is once again hosting its annual Summer Open Day, but this year's will be better than ever.

Rather than opening for free just in the evening, the open day is being extended so visitors will have all day to explore the grounds and take in some live music throughout the day.

 On Saturday, May 28, visitors will get nine hours to enjoy the stunning ruins and grounds from noon until 9pm, with last entry at 8.45pm.

As well as exploring the abbey ruins and 36-acre grounds, visitors will be able to try their hand at a range of activities, including axe throwing, and have a mooch around an array of stalls selling gifts, food and drink.

The showcase piece of the open day will be a stage with live performances from acts across the country, starting before 1pm, including Harry Marshall, Izzie Walsh, Gavin Osborn and the Comment Section, Strange Folk, Spencer Flay and Tolly Snell. The live entertainment is planned to continue until 9pm. The day will be opened with a performance by Dragon Drummers at midday.

Glastonbury Abbey's Brad Lister said: "It's often said you don't get much for free in this world, but this genuinely is a free offer – no catches at all. Our previous Summer Open Days have proved successful, and we hope that by opening the grounds for free all day for the first time we'll welcome even more visitors.

"Our Summer Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to welcome visitors who may not normally come to the abbey, and for those thinking about supporting our charity by becoming a member.

"With our free access comes our free activities and free live entertainment throughout the day; what is there not to love about what we have planned on Saturday?"

The entire site (with some small exceptions) will be open all day for free, but in the evening some parts of the site will be closed for safety reasons.

To benefit from the free entry, no ticket or registration is required - visitors can simply turn up on the day. However, the abbey may restrict entrance in the evening depending on the numbers on-site. Unaccompanied children will not be allowed on-site, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Following the easing of covid restrictions, all parts of the ruins and grounds are now open, after some were closed because of social distancing including the museum, St. Patrick's Chapel, the Lady Chapel and the 14th century Abbot's Kitchen.