What Is The Free Colour & Light Event In York 2026?

Let’s be honest, February can be a bit gloomy. The festive season is a distant memory, the nights are long and dark, and everyone is just waiting for spring to show up. But there’s something bright on the horizon for York. The much-loved Colour & Light event is returning from 4 to 22 February 2026, and it’s set to be the biggest and boldest edition yet.

This time, the show will illuminate not one but two of York’s most iconic landmarks, transforming the city centre into a vast outdoor cinema. Even better, the entire event is completely free.

A Bright Idea For The Winter Blues

Colour & Light is a spectacular light projection event organised by York BID. A Business Improvement District brings local businesses together to enhance the city for residents, workers and visitors, and this event has become a key part of York’s winter calendar.

The aim is simple: brighten up the darker months and encourage people into the city centre during a traditionally quieter period. As well as offering a stunning visual experience, the event supports York’s evening economy, helping restaurants, cafés and shops benefit from increased footfall.

Since launching in 2023, Colour & Light has grown rapidly. Last year’s display at York Minster attracted more than 100,000 visitors, and the 2026 edition is expected to be even more impressive.

A Show On A Truly Massive Canvas

For the first time, Colour & Light will use a dual projection canvas. The coordinated light show will be projected across both York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower, creating an immersive visual experience on an unprecedented scale.

The project is a collaboration between York BID, York Museums Trust and English Heritage, with funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Together, they’ve created a seamless 10-minute show that will run on a continuous loop each evening from 6pm to 9pm.

There’s no need to book or arrive at a specific time. Visitors can simply turn up, find a spot in the Eye of York, and enjoy the projections as they unfold across these historic buildings. The family-friendly show will bring York’s past to life, with characters and stories woven into the visuals.

Bringing History To Life In A Whole New Way

This isn’t just a light display for the sake of it. The projections will tell a story about York, exploring some of the city’s lesser-known history through light, sound and animation. It’s designed to be accessible to all ages, offering a fresh way to connect with York’s rich past.

Siona Mackelworth from York Museums Trust said,

“York Castle Museum is pleased to be supporting York BID on Colour and Light for 2026. York Museums Trust last participated in 2024, when projections of our incredible collections lit up the front of York Art Gallery. The 2026 show brings something different, exploring some of York’s potentially lesser-known history and, for the first time, projecting across multiple buildings. Working in conjunction with York BID and English Heritage at Clifford’s Tower has been an exciting venture in bringing two iconic York locations together.”

Andrea Selley, Operations Director at English Heritage, added:

“Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York’s royal castle and has a dramatic and sometimes tragic history. As we look ahead to Colour and Light in 2026, we’re thrilled that this iconic landmark will be part of this unique and inspiring event, which brings so many people together.”

An Event For Everyone In The City

Keeping Colour & Light completely free is a core part of the event’s ethos. It ensures that everyone can enjoy a high-quality cultural experience, regardless of budget, and gives families a free activity during the February half term.

Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, said:

“Colour & Light has become a real bright spot in York’s winter calendar, and we’re proud to be bringing it back bigger than ever for 2026. Making the event completely free is incredibly important to us. It means anyone can come into the city centre, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience York after dark. By working with York Museums Trust and English Heritage, we’ve been able to create a show on our biggest scale yet.”

The event is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which contributed £46,914 towards its delivery.

All The Key Details

Planning a visit is easy. Here’s everything you need to know.

What
Colour & Light 2026 Projection Show

Where
Projected onto York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower. Best viewing from the Eye of York, York, YO1 9WZ.

When
Nightly from Wednesday 4 February to Saturday 22 February 2026

Time
6pm to 9pm each evening. The show runs on a 10-minute continuous loop

Cost
Completely free. No tickets required, just turn up and enjoy