ENTHUSIASTS of architecture, archaeology, technology, music and art are invited to experience York’s heritage as never before on Wednesday at the National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate.

In the latest Vespertine cultural event in the city, artists and archaeologists have worked together to create a colourful virtual reality experience drawn from the church's architecture.

The AOC Archaeology Group, from York, has used laser-scanning technology to record millions of pinpoint measurements of St Margaret’s Church and this information will be transformed into a virtual reality journey that visitors can experience using smartphones and VR goggles.

York Press:

Annabeth Robinson: "Allowing us to experience the building in a whole new way"

Welcoming the inaugural partnership project between the AOC Archaeology Group and National Centre for Early Music, NCEM director Delma Tomlin says: "It's been fascinating to see AOC's laser scans of our beautiful church. Artist and technologist Annabeth Robinson and musician Jez Wells have translated these scans into an installation and VR experience allowing us to experience the building in a whole new way.”

Wednesday's event is the latest instalment of Vespertine, a series of early evening events in York. The day will begin with a 4pm to 5pm Families Workshop Session, where participants can use instruments including a sound beam and an X-Box controller to control the light and sound in the church, thereby transforming the space.

Places for this session are free but limited; to register interest, email boxoffice@ncem.co.uk or call 01904 658338.

From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, you can take an immersive digital journey and experience the sound installation that bring St Margaret’s Church and laser scans to life. From 7pm, there will be an opportunity to meet artists Annabeth Robinson and Jez Wells to learn more about their process of creating the VR experience and sound installation.