An extraordinary bulb field – and there's no charge

Glass spheres are illuminated in Bruce Munro's latest installation, Field of Light, in the grounds of the Holbourne Musuem in Bath. (Getty)

The rather jolly Christmas light display beloved of homeowners and local authorities across the land has been given a stunning 21st-century makeover for the Holburne Museum in Bath.

Light artist Bruce Munro was inspired to create the art gallery's Field of Light installation by the barren deserts in Australia that burst into bloom after rainfall. His work lies dormant during the hours of daylight only to come alive at night when the 5,000 bulbs threaded with fibre-optic cables are switched on.

The free display will open to the public tomorrow and visitors will be encouraged to walk through the garden and enjoy the views from 4-7pm until 8 January.