07/04/2010

Published by York Minster

Minster Nights will again offer visitors the chance to experience the wonders of York Minster at night, this Friday from 6.30pm until midnight.

Every few months, York Minster hosts this popular evening allowing visitors to stay as late as midnight, experiencing a wide range of activities on offer as well as theatrical and musical performances,  exhibitions from local and national artists and light and sound installations.

During the evening, there will be acoustic acts in the Chapter House, from local singers such as Holly Taymar, whilst the York based Mooted Theatre Company will be performing a scene from Dick Turpin in the Lady Chapel.

There will be installations and projections by artists throughout the Minster, including an Illuminating Figures sculpture installation by Tony Murray beneath the Five Sisters window and the popular Sistine Chapel painting by local artist James Brook.

At 6.30pm there will be a dance performance by Vanessa Grasse and the Strati Project in the Crypts and at 7pm and 8.30pm there will be a theatrical performance by The York Stars community theatre company who will be performing excerpts from their new musical 'Grace Darling', which is being premiered in York this summer.

As usual, there will be three ‘Hidden Minster' tours on offer, which allow visitors to experience areas of the cathedral not normally accessible to the public. These include the mysterious Mason's Loft and Chapter House Roof void, the fascinating crypt passages and walkway over the enormous Five Sisters Window, and also the incredible tour of the West End Bell Towers. The three different tours depart at 7pm at a cost of £8 per person. Due to their high demand, tickets are available only in advance from York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or https://www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org/public  Health restrictions apply and visitors must be 16 or over to go on these tours.

The Undercroft and Treasury will also remain open, allowing visitors to explore the foundations of York Minster as ambient music plays. Likewise, tower top trips will be available at 45 minute intervals throughout the evening, weather permitting, offering visitors the chance to see breathtaking views of the city of York at night. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £3 for children. Health restrictions apply.

The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, "Minster Nights allow visitors to enjoy the Minster in a special way, and we hope York residents will also come and deepen their own pleasure and pride in this centrepiece to their city"

Minster Nights is free to York residents with either a York Minster resident card or proof of address. For non-residents of York the normal Minster admission prices apply. For further information on admission charges or the programme of events on the evening please visit www.yorkminster.org.

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