York Minster's Colour & Light Wildlife Show 2025

Later this month, York Minster's walls will be aglow with a stunning display of lights inspired by the city's wildlife and heritage. The Colour & Light event will run from February 12th to March 2nd, 2025.

York's peregrine falcons, foxes & more to feature in colour & light projections

Imagine York Minster's stunning South Transept lit by the image of peregrine falcons, sly foxes and dragons. This year's Colour & Light event will feature all of those and more. The lights will bring to life stories of horses from Roman times, to modern-day York's urban wildlife and lesser known animal tales. The projections will combine familiar and lesser-known stories to highlight the city's rich relationship with the natural world.

A free treat for all the family

The 3D projection mapping brings the minster to life and it's completely free to enjoy.

A winter treat for the city

Colour & Light has quickly become a winter highlight in the city's events calendar since its launch in 2023. York BID's Operations Manager, Carl Alsop, says the event is designed to create magical memories for families and encourage visitors into the city centre during the quieter winter months.

York Minster's Head of Events and Participation, Lisa Power, said:

"This year's themes showcase the variety of York's wildlife and the stories behind them," Carl said. "We hope it will inspire people to get out and about in the city and support local businesses, when the city is at its quietest in February."

Key info

Here's everything you need to know:

• Duration: 6 pm to 9 pm each night
• Loop: The projections will loop every 10 minutes
• Quiet Hour: 8 pm to 9 pm each evening, when crowds are at their smallest

There are no tickets, so you can pop in and out throughout the evening.

More to see & do

The event encourages you to experience the wider city offer. After enjoying the projections, why not browse the city's independent shops, warm up with a hot drink in a cosy café or treat yourself to a delicious meal in one of the city's many restaurants? Colour & Light 2025 brings the minster to life, but it's also designed to enhance your evening out in York.

Supported by UK funding

The event is proudly supported by UK Shared Prosperity Funding, which is helping to drive cultural initiatives that benefit local economies and communities. It also highlights York's UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, combining cutting-edge technology with great storytelling.

Share your photos

Post your photos online and tag them #ColourAndLight2025. Whether it's the wildlife, the city centre or your favourite hot drinking spot, your posts could inspire others to get involved.

York Minster's colour & light 2025

Get ready for a treat as Colour & Light returns to York Minster in 2025. Save the dates, wrap up warm and get ready to see York in a whole new light!