The York Minster Colour & Light event is back and better than ever

For those of us who have lived in York for a couple of years, you’ll have likely seen our beloved Minster looking really pretty as a gorgeous light show is projected onto it.

If this is your first time seeing it, you might be wondering what’s going on. So, what actually is it all about?

The York Minster Colour & Light show is now running every night until March 2nd, from 6pm-9pm. The projection is on a 10 minute loop, and as it’s on the outside of the minster, it’s entirely free!

Named Colour & Light t, this is a high impact and large scale visual arts project that uses 3D projection mapping to create short form visual storytelling onto York’s most beautiful buildings. This free event first ran in 2023 and  is a collaborative effort from York BID, York Minster, UNESCO, York City of Media Arts and Double Take Productions, funded by the UK Government.

Each year there is a different theme, with the focus for the 2025 event celebrating Yorkshire wildlife. The display hopes to showcase famous tales of Yorkshire wildlife, like the peregrine falcons that are often seen around the Minster and the many, many foxes that seem to always have places to be (I came home to one sat on the driveway of my house last week). These will be combined with perhaps some lesser known stories.

York Minster’s Head of Events and Participation, Lisa Power said she is thrilled to welcome the projection back, emphasising the beauty of the city. She said: “This year’s projections will bring York Minster’s heritage to life, this time through a spectacular display of flora and fauna illuminating the cathedral’s South Transept.

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“We hope that this beautiful display will once again remind everyone that York is open all year round!”

This event will be running every night from 6pm-9pm and the projection is on a 10 minute loop. York BID have stated that the last hour is a designated quiet hour, reducing the noise and smaller crowds as they want everyone to enjoy it.

Like a moth to a flame who also loves free things (I’m a uni student after all), I will be taking a chilly walk to the Minster this week to see it as Colour & Light will be running from now until the 2nd March.