Illuminating York is the city’s annual digital arts and lighting festival which invites visitors and residents alike to rediscover York in a new light!

In recent years the Festival has attracted between 20,000 – 75,000 visitors, residents and tourists per year and brought over £1 million annual economic benefit into the city. The Festival has enjoyed a broad range of media coverage over the years and reaches all corners of the globe from Canada to Australia and Europe.

Illuminating the Past, Enlightening the Future

Illuminating the Past, Enlightening the Future is the theme for Illuminate York 2013.

It is 1000 years since King Sweyn ‘Forkbeard’ of Denmark was named king of England in 1013. Incoming communities and cultures have played an important role in the development of York as a City. York has deep and strong links to its Viking heritage in particular and the waves of invasions that York has experienced over the years, which has created a vibrant city with a rich and varied culture.

Artwork will investigate the Scandinavian influences on York’s heritage and on the city today. This could be through art, clothing, food, technology, people and politics or other cultural interventions.

Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in submitting a proposal then please complete and return an Expression of Interest for a Major Commission or Supporting Commissions form.

Vic Reeves. Wonderland 2012

Thanks to all who visited Illuminating York 2012. Enjoy browsing this website to see some of the amazing images of previous years.

Illuminating York 2012 image

2012 was a big year for York who celebrated York 800, the anniversary of the City’s Charter which gave it independence to take charge of its own financial affairs, to trade freely and ultimately govern itself.

Illuminating York joined the year long celebrations with an event that was larger and more spectacular than ever before with its own Wonderland in the York Museum Gardens.

Illuminating York 2012