Illuminating York 2014: Details of this year’s light show revealed

One of the leading lights of our city’s illustrious history will be celebrated as part of Illuminating York 2014, which returns from Wednesday, October 29 to Saturday, November 1.

The centrepiece of the three-day light show extravaganza will be Hidden Worlds, in which the story of York physician John Snow will light up the Crown Court.

Snow, who lived from 1813 to 1858, discovered how cholera spread and was a pioneer in the use of anaesthetics.

In homage to his work, art collective Seeper have created a 3D animation which takes the audience “into the hidden worlds of the microscopic and the unconscious in what will be an entertaining and fun yet unique and unforgettable experience,” say organisers.

Known for creating immersive experiences both for art installations and for commercial clients including the BBC and XBox, Seeper are involved in Illuminating York for the first time this year.

“I am thrilled that Illuminating York, named in the Guardian as one of Europe’s top ten light festivals, will once again bring residents and visitors a memorable spectacle,” said Cllr Sonja Crisp, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism.

“As well as the central artwork there will be a full programme of light events across the city centre which, for the second year, will include the very popular SPARK, an arts initiative in which we support the work of five new and emerging artists.”

The free programme

The free supporting programme this year includes a mix of static illuminated artworks, performances and projections.

Impossible Arts will present Codex, a magical art installation at the Coppergate Centre.

Twist Design have created The Wheels Of Industry for King’s Square.

Viaperformance return with Then Chocolate Shall It Be at King’s Manor and Haydn Robinson will present Time And Space.

Lighting up York for nine years

Illuminating York has been lighting up the city since 2005. During that time the festival has commissioned major international works for the Minster, Museum Gardens and other historic sites.

Organisers say that the festival attracted an estimated 300,000 residents and tourists in its first eight years, and each year adds about £1 million to the local economy.

More than 50,000 people visited Illuminating York 2013. It is organised by a steering group, chaired by Liz Page of English Heritage, with representatives from City of York Council, University of York, Visit York, York Museums Trust, Science City York, English Heritage, York Minster and York Archaeological Trust.