Visitors to Kirkstall Abbey will be greeted by a blur of flying arrows, wagging tails, slithering snakes and stunning birds of prey over the next week.

A series of free outdoor events are to be held in the grounds of the 12th century abbey ruins over the coming days organised by Leeds City Council.

The events begin on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August when from 10am to 12 noon and from 2-4pm each day visitors will be able to try their hand at the ancient art of archery. Experts from the local archery club Panda Bowmen will be overseeing events offering guidance and tips from beginners to budding Robin Hoods. Those of a more creative slant can head indoors to the Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre for the chance to design their own royal crowns.

The fun takes on a four-legged slant from 2-4pm on Wednesday 25th August when the hugely-popular annual dog show takes place. The show features five categories of competition which are sure to be fiercely contested – the waggiest tail, best trick, best nose for finding objects, best control while on a lead and musical statues for how still a dog can stay on command.

Certificates and prizes are available in each category, but due to the extremely popular nature of the event those wishing to enter must be pre-registered as numbers that can take part are limited. To pre-register please call 0113 230 5492 or email abbey.house@leeds.gov.uk.

The skies over the abbey will take centre stage on Saturday 28th August, as from 2-4pm a selection of spectacular birds of prey will be demonstrating their hunting techniques. Overseen by Yorkshire-based conservationists Falconry UK, the birds such as eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, falcons and kestrels will also be on display for visitors to admire and take photographs of when not flying.

Fans of snakes and creepy crawlies will also be catered for, as visitors will also be able to see a range of animals in the Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre. Local reptile expert Matt Pedder from Tyrannosaurus Pets will be on hand with some of his collection such as boa constrictors, corn snakes, bull snakes and geckos amongst others talking about how they live and offering visitors the chance to get up close and personal by holding them.

All of the events are free to attend, but there will be a charge of £1 for three arrows for those wishing to take part in the archery sessions. For further information on Kirkstall Abbey call 0113 230 5492 or email abbey.house@leeds.gov.uk