York's 'Tree of Life' Unveiled - 15 November 2006
York will celebrate the splendour of nature this Christmas as the city's eagerly awaited 'Tree of Life' Christmas tree will be officially unveiled this Thursday (16th November) in St. Helen's Square.
This year, York artist Helen Turner was commissioned to use light, creativity and innovation to create a must-see attraction in York for the coming winter. The Tree of Life is part of the Illuminating York programme, which brings York's historical buildings to life at night with stunning lighting, and encourages visitors to enjoy the city after dark. It is funded by York City Centre Partnership and supported by Yorkshire Forward.
This is the first time an artist has been commissioned to design a Christmas tree for York. Helen explains: "The Tree of Life theme will be prevalent with elements that grow and elements that move with the breeze, and I've designed it to look as if it is bearing fruit and flowers, bursting with life in the middle of a cold winter.
"I've used some traditional tree decorations such as baubles and lights, as well as more unexpected decorations that will provide a multi-sensory experience. Bundles of holly will nestle under the tree to give the effect of presents, and children will be able to come and write their Christmas wishes and hang them on the tree."
Drawing inspiration from the Legend of the Christmas Rose, this unique tree will bear the white rose as the symbol of Yorkshire. Its branches will be woven with silver baskets of white cyclamen, bird feeders disguised as baubles, and wind chimes to add a gentle natural sound - to name just a few of its beautiful decorations that will animate this historic urban space in the evening.
Popular Christmas stories rooted in a range of cultures, relating to the idea of a rose or the Tree of Life, will be on display around the base of the tree. These have been taken from Christian, Jewish and Baha'i Traditions, amongst others. The aim is to create a space for families to come and enjoy the magic of Christmas together.
The artist will also be holding a series of workshops in the Mansion House on Saturday and Sunday (18th and 19th November) where children can come and learn how to create their own tree decorations.
To book your place on the workshop or to find out more please call the Visitor Information Centre on 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org
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For further information please contact Nina Hands n.hands@brahm.com or Charlotte Hancock c.hancock@brahm.com on 0113 2 200557.
- * PHOTOCALL / FILMING / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY *-
When: 6.30pm, Thursday 16th November
Where: St. Helen's Square, York
What: Reporters / photographers / film crews are invited to attend the official unveiling of York's Christmas 'Tree of Life'. Helen Turner, the local artist who created the tree, will switch on the lights after a countdown by children from Manor Secondary School, whose school band will be playing at the event.
Please confirm your attendance by calling Nina Hands or Charlotte Hancock on 0113 220 0557 / 07971 598904.
Notes to Editors:
The Tree of Life is funded by the York City Centre Partnership and supported by Yorkshire Forward.
The York Area Tourism Partnership is the private-public partnership responsible for promoting and developing York as a visitor destination. The partners are Visit York, City of York Council, Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board and the York Hospitality Association.
'Illuminating York' is part of a ten-year strategy by the York Area Tourism Partnership Council with investment from Yorkshire Forward to encourage greater use of the city in the evenings, to enhance the evening environment and to combat public fears of safety and security at night.
Helen Turner resides in Yorkshire and is a part time lecturer in Fine Arts at York St. John's University. She has specialised in public art projects for the past eight years.