The drive into York caused the usual arguments:
“Park and Ride?
“No, city centre, I know a car park”
“Where is it?”
“Well, I can walk to it, but not sure how to drive there”
“Heck, we’re trapped on the ring road forever…”
” Ooh, there’s the Minister! We’ll be fine now”
“WHERE ARE WE?!?”
*TUT and SIGH*
Anyway, after finally parking up and doing a Sue Perkins ‘let’s find which way is north by looking at where the moss grows’, we head to the Minster. Illuminating York has been running for 7 years, and, according to the guide, ‘uses modern lighting and projection technologies to celebrate the city of Yorks’s unique architecture and history.’ If you’ve been before, you will know that it really has made York come alive in ways that you may not expect. The Minster has been at the heart of the festival, and the west front has been lit revealing the glory of the architecture, and used as a film screen showing huge moving stain glass windows etc, so it was with high expectations that I headed over to see how they have revealed the great gothic cathedral again. Sadly, they don’t. The Minster exterior is not used at all this year, but I understand that the festival organisers need to vary the show. Instead, in the gardens is a sound installation ‘Contours’. With a few simple light effects, the booming sound of Norse languages is what makes this installation effective, so you need to listen carefully. As one of the two main installations in the festival, it is quite disappointing in it’s scale.
The excitement comes when you realise that the Minster is open. If, like me, you used to pop in on most visits to York, but haven’t stepped foot inside since 5 years ago when they began to charge £9 (!), you’ll be pleased to discover it’s free.
The Chapter House is lit by candles, and as we ambled around, a procession walked in and began to sing. The Ebor Singers sang Thomas Tallis-esque hanting melodies that echoed in the high roof, and was just beautiful. As we walked around the rest of the Minster, we could hear their chanting combined with the thundering hooves from the sound installation outside.
The other main display is over at Castle Museum (the one next to Clifford Tower). Envisions is 15 minute projection onto the wall of Castle Museum. It is apparently reflecting the history of York. Well, it does for a few minutes at a time, but most of it is just a riot of colour.
The photographs do not convey the movement of horses galloping across the walls, and skeletons creeping about. It’s lots of fun, perfect for all ages.
However, I left this year’s festival with a feeling of disappointment. It’s a shame that all the wonderful medieval churches don’t get involved. I would love to walk from the Minster to Castle Museum with something to do on the way. There are few places to buy even a coffee. The guidebook is unclear, and pre-booking is clearly essential for most activities (the Minster tower tour was sold out that night). My main concern though, is cost. Disregarding the advertised events such as tours and anything including food, the festival events (such as exploring museums by torchlight-a great idea) all require hefty cash and planning. I worked out the events would cost 1 adult a whopping £70! My recommendation is to focus on Castle Museum and the Minster if you just want freeb-ie stuff, but it’s worth checking the guide on-line first.
I love how these events encourage people to be citizens in their city at night, families and elderly happily and safely wandering about. We enjoyed the mild, dry evening and something different to do on a ‘school night’. But don’t go with the same expectations of previous years.
Illuminating York runs from the 26th -29th October. Times roughly 6-10pm.