A TOWN abbey has announced its lunchtime recitals are set to return in October.

Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, revealed their autumn programme will resume on Tuesday October 13 with a performance by Helena Mole on violin playing music by Sibelius, Beethoven and Ysayë.

The recital programme for this season also includes pianists Simon Watterton and Yoon Seok Shin, Ensemble C string quartet, soprano Rebecca White, and a collaboration of Domini Beeton and Ian Close on keyboard and saxophone respectively.

The season will finish on Tuesday November 24 with The Regimental Band of The Rifles saxophone ensemble.

Vicar of Romsey, Revd Thomas Wharton, said: "This is such an encouraging step. First, we reopened for private prayer, then public worship and now we can once again welcome the community into the abbey for musical performances.

"Lunchtime recitals provide an opportunity to take a break from daily routines and enjoy a variety of music in the serenity of this special place."

Recitals are free to attend and donations can be given by the public, but pre-booking is now required.

Performances start at 1pm and the audience should arrive and be seated by 12.50pm.

Tickets can be booked up to 14 days in advance from Romsey Visitor Information Centre or online via ticketsource.co.uk/romseyabbey.

For more information contact the parish administrator, Amanda Taylor, by emailing parishoffice@romseyabbey.org.uk.