Bright Lights, Little City: York’s big light switch on

Somebody, somewhere within the walls has had a light bulb moment, or should I say light bulbs…

Yes, it’s that time of the year, mid October, where we start talking Christmas, and in a secret location probably made from ginger bread, the movers and shakers have had a bright idea…MORE LIGHTS, and we aren’t talking about fixing a few broken bulbs, no, try 160,000 glowing LED lights over 15km end to end.

York has long been Britain’s most festive city, I mean come on, even old Charlie Dickens would find it hard to scrooge at York come the festive season. But we in York are not content with simply living off old lineage, which would be far to easy. So instead of sitting back and letting quaint, cobbled streets do all the work, Bid York and Make It York have joined forces to expand on 2017’s luminous extravaganza by going bigger and brighter then ever before. 

“York has worked hard to earn its reputation as Britain’s most festive city, and we’re doing what we can to ensure it retains this crown.” 

 Andrew Lowson, executive director for York BID

With the beauty of last year firmly in memory, York residents can be prepared to be pleasantly surprised as once again all four Bars will become a spectacle of magic, offering a stunning entrance to a city alive with light.

But they haven’t stopped there with plans to add Colliergate, Shambles Market and New Street, as well as two of the city’s historic bridges to the LED party. But the extension is not only physical, as this year the illuminations will continue until the end of February, leaving the lights to glow during both residents weekend and Visit York’s Ice Trail!

This year’s switch-on will be on Thursday the 15^th November at St Helens Square. You won’t miss it, it will be next to the humongous glittering tree, which is in honour of St Leonards Hospice’s Light Up Your Life campaign, with each sparkling light a tribute to lost loved ones, friends and relatives recorded in the book of honour. So, yes the nights are getting darker but this year York is going to light up your life this winter.