Illuminating York set to launch Vic Reeves’ surreal wonderland

10:43am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

Vic Reeves at the preview of the Illuminating York festival in the Museum Gardens Vic Reeves at the preview of the Illuminating York festival in the Museum Gardens

It will be curiouser and curiouser in Museum Gardens tonight when darkness falls and strange coloured lights turn the landscape into a mad hatter’s world.

Comedian and artist Vic Reeves and £500,000 of illuminations have combined to bring a surreal wonderland to the historic buildings and ten acres of gardens for this year’s Illuminating York festival.

Organisers hope the public will get involved by taking part in a projection of dancing figures on to the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey or powering bicycles with wings of light.

Among the surreal visions will a giant elephant seal and the entire facade of the Yorkshire Museum transformed into a moving projection of music, pictures and colour.

The choice of Alice In Wonderland for inspiration marks a departure from previous festivals which have concentrated on exploring York’s history.

“Art should be fun,” said Reeves, who uses his real name Jim Moir for his art work.

“I have ideas and If I think they are funny or peculiar I draw them. I draw because I get a kick out of it. It is my drug. I am just doing what I do and it is projected on to a building that is Georgian.”

Coun Sonja Crisp, of City of York Council, said: “The scale and ambition of this year’s festival will be truly spectacular.

“We have never attempted anything this big before and after seeing the plans I can’t wait to see the gardens transformed into a magical and surreal experience right here in the centre of York.”

Illuminating York opens tonight and runs until Saturday.

Several other historic buildings including York Minster are putting on their own light-inspired displays as part of the festival.

Comments(83)

Saracen says...
8:10pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Sorry Guys, and I hate saying this 'cos I'm really not one to pour cold water on things, but it is really naff. Just been tonight and it is not really worth the effort. I remember taking the kids to the first one a few years ago and they thought it was poor then - it certainly hasn't improved. I understand it's a Council inspired thing in partnership with Blackpool Council. Well it certainly has the squirming tacky feel of the "Kiss me Quick" capital. Not sure it fits in with York or do they think all attractions have the self same audiences? But, using rate-payers money to experiment with this kind of thing? Isn't their more pressing needs on the budget? We have so many good quality attractions in York why don't they just leave it to the professionals in future hey?

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Silver says...
8:48pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Friend of mine just came back and was absolutely appalled. Vic Reeves a disappointment and the people moving around like a herd. The illuminations description I've heard would not get allowed as the censor would have to remove, so lets just terribly bad.

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PinzaC55 says...
8:54pm Wed 31 Oct 12

It is nice that Vic Reeves has found another source of income since his comedy career went down the pan.

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Amandac says...
9:21pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Just returned and sad to say it was a real let down. Over the years we have been amazed by the lights, last year was spectacular. Sorry to say it, a waste of £5... Given previous years I had hoped for more!

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dj4 says...
9:34pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Just got back from this. Please don't waste your money on it. The previous year's events were superb and made such wonderful use of the geometry of the buildings. Last year, I was spellbound. This year's event was utter rubbish. Poor drawings and Vic Reeve's massive ego projected in an amateurish fashion on to the Yorkshire Museum. I suspect with the entry charge this may kill off the Illuminating York festival -what a shame after being so wonderful in the past.Embarrassing. Whoever organised this should hide with shame.

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flesh_tuxedo says...
9:47pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Very disappointing i have to say. Very surprised Vic has been swallowed up by his own ego.

Just MontyPythonesque cartoons projected with pretentious explanations and little talent. Such a shame.

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John S Brook says...
11:20pm Wed 31 Oct 12

I'm sorry to say I agree with the comments above. Tempted by the publicity and promises of a 'spectacular' show, I paid over £20 for 4 adults and 2 children and it was a complete waste of good money. The Vic Reeves show was boring and the 'dancing' on the abbey ruins was a disappointment: something and nothing. Then other places like the Minster and Treasurer's House were also charging. We didn't want to shell out any more cash (and Treasurer's House was closing when we got there at 8.30 anyway) but it's an expensive and disappointing experience this year. Disgraceful!

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A.N.OtherYorkie says...
3:54am Thu 1 Nov 12

Thanks guys for the reviews, was gona go this evening but looking forward to spending my fiver on food instead or maybe even a pint! Did the council preview it first?...obviously not!

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A.N.OtherYorkie says...
3:55am Thu 1 Nov 12

Thanks guys for the reviews, was gona go this evening but looking forward to spending my fiver on food instead or maybe even a pint! Did the council preview it first?...obviously not!

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kwalsh says...
6:40am Thu 1 Nov 12

I do not normally post complaining comments - however, as someone who walks through the gardens every day, and really appreciated the old style displays that were open access, I am appalled by this year's event. The gardens are full of pointless illuminated objects, and the controlled movement of people in and out of the gardens (along with ticketing) has undermined what was once an innovative cultural event. Not only is this event a disappointment, it has disrupted normal use of the gardens more than ever. I hope that this particular approach does not have a future.

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SusieSS says...
8:48am Thu 1 Nov 12

Given that last year's display was so stunning, it's disappoining that it would seem this year's is sub-standard. Please bring back the old style 'Illuminating York'. I went to Durham's offering last year, and it was superb.

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LeftyLoony says...
9:27am Thu 1 Nov 12

I'm glad I've read these comments, because I went to the thing atthe museum gardens last night, and I was left thinking I'd missed something. OK, it didn't help that it was peeing it down all night and you couldn't move without getting jabbed in the face with an umbrella, but I kept expecting something spectacular round the next corner, only to find, for example, some giant abandoned Christmas decorations or an animation of a naked man waving his bum at me. What a waste of potential!

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The all seeing eye says...
9:52am Thu 1 Nov 12

Thought it looked really naff from the off. Why is it that some 'famous' people think that they can draw, Vic's style is that of a 5 year old and if that was the look they were after then why not get school kids to draw them in the first place than pay this washed up comic. It reminds me of the really naff singers on the x factor, you think someone might have taken him to one side and said "Vic, your rubbish at art" rather than stoke his ego and let him display his embarrassingly poor scribbles. The people in charge of this event typify what is wrong with this city. York is meant is to be a creative hub, and with so many talented artists residing in our beautiful city why ship in this amature.
"What's on the end of the stick Vic?", certainly not an artist with any creative talent.

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dj4 says...
10:07am Thu 1 Nov 12

I think the last comment is spot on. It reminds me of Paul McCartney and his works for symphony orchestra. Are these people surrounded by yes-men who tell them everything they do is wonderful? It's like all those singers on the Olympic ceremonies doing karaoke versions of their own music thirty years' past their prime. Stick to what you're good at! Bring us local talent not rubbish from fading celebrities!

The whole "Wonderland" experience has the ambience of wandering round the garden of the embarrassing neighbour who has flashing, mooning santas and half a mile of fairy lights. Next year, why not get the League of Gentlemen to do it and at least when we end up with a miniature Royston Vasey we should not be surprised.

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MrChuckles says...
10:23am Thu 1 Nov 12

load of tacky rubbish

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Mr Udigawa says...
10:36am Thu 1 Nov 12

I was just dissapointed that I didn't see uncle Peter or Greg Mitchell.

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NotMaryWhitehouse says...
11:29am Thu 1 Nov 12

I'm really sad to read the comments above! Last year was absolutely brilliant - great soundtrack, clever projections, but I won't be going this year I don't think from what others have said.

I'd be interested to hear why they've decided to charge this year if they've borrowed equipment from Blackpool AND what they plan on spending the money on - I bet it won't be on next year's festival (if it even happens again).

What a shame.

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Oaklands Resident says...
11:58am Thu 1 Nov 12

Mmm There was a £300,000 budget for Illuminating York this year?

Apparently Blackpools cast off lights are being used - courtesy of Cllr Crisps son who is an official at the Council there.

Some fairly major questions for the ethics people at the York Council to answer I think.

.....& we're still waiting for reassurances about the two fireworks displays that Cllr Crisp has been talking up and which are taking place this weekend.

In the past there have been crowd control problems on the open (free entry) section of the Knavesmire while the Police objected (on road safety grounds) to fireworks displays at the Country Park at Rawcliffe.

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Tug job says...
12:18pm Thu 1 Nov 12

dj4 wrote:
I think the last comment is spot on. It reminds me of Paul McCartney and his works for symphony orchestra. Are these people surrounded by yes-men who tell them everything they do is wonderful? It's like all those singers on the Olympic ceremonies doing karaoke versions of their own music thirty years' past their prime. Stick to what you're good at! Bring us local talent not rubbish from fading celebrities! The whole "Wonderland" experience has the ambience of wandering round the garden of the embarrassing neighbour who has flashing, mooning santas and half a mile of fairy lights. Next year, why not get the League of Gentlemen to do it and at least when we end up with a miniature Royston Vasey we should not be surprised.
I have always though of Acomb as York's very own Royston Vaysey.

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kazza61 says...
12:21pm Thu 1 Nov 12

What a load of rubbish! Was really looking forward to this after last years amazing display...went 3 times last year and enjoyed it each time. 'Wonderland'? I don't think a few lights hanging from trees and scattered on the ground amounts to that! And as for Vic Reeves contribution.....jus
t an opportunity to pump up his over-inflated ego! Admittedly the weather didn't help but if we're willing to brave the weather give us something good to look at!

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You're_all_idiots says...
12:51pm Thu 1 Nov 12

There's already so many comments that I don't really want to pile on more negativity, but having spent time showing visting relations photos of previous events and telling them all about I good it was, I felt slightly embarressed walking around this years debacle.

Please treat it as a learning experience and return to the format of ticket-free, tasteful displays in locations that won't degrade into a mud-fest if (when) it rains.

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Graham Lister says...
4:50pm Thu 1 Nov 12

What were Cllr. Alexander and his well-known collection of shysters thinking of in giving The Fop free rein and thousands of pounds of our money?

I shall be alerting the Local Ombudsman about this "fop art" farrago forthwith. Who on earth let this pig into this booth?

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Yorkie Girl says...
5:08pm Thu 1 Nov 12

I have to agree it was very disappointing.
the interactive parts were fun but it didnt go near making up for the terrible 'show' upon the museum.
last years at the castle museum was brilliant! i could have sat and watched it all night - I expected this and more from the museum gardens... don't waste your money!

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BertieBrompton says...
5:54pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Well I watched last years 3 times at Clifford's Tower it was brilliant but I'll just stay in tonight instead and save my dish...glad I read the reviews as I was going to go tomorrow night!

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fear your government says...
7:31pm Thu 1 Nov 12

i went when it was free and i can say as a family outing we enjoyed the spectacle,it was free their were lots of residents and a good chance to catch up with old freinds and now......

they want your money for what seems like a sub standard event.
i wont be going and lets hope york council learn from this.(but they wont, because they know better....right)

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russeboy says...
7:41pm Thu 1 Nov 12

£500,000 and Stonegate are arguing over a £500 contribution to the York christmas lights. Should have spent the money on christmas and got at least a month out of it and potential tourist £'s

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wipstermater says...
7:44pm Thu 1 Nov 12

thanks for the heads up - my family was really looking forward to this and it's such a shame. I didn't know it was a ticketed event - the Press doesn't mention that! We'll be staying at home.

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Buzz Light-year says...
7:59pm Thu 1 Nov 12

What a shame.

A vibrant community arts and culture event that anyone could stumble across and enjoy for free has been turned into a corporate paid-for disappointment.

Epic fail, whoever is responsible.

I'm grateful for these crowd-sourced reviews, I was reluctant to have to pay for what was once a community event but now I know what I would get for my money? Pfffft!

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Silver says...
9:18pm Thu 1 Nov 12

wipstermater wrote:
thanks for the heads up - my family was really looking forward to this and it's such a shame. I didn't know it was a ticketed event - the Press doesn't mention that! We'll be staying at home.
Well at least you can spend the money on something that they'll enjoy now

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Magritte says...
9:39pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Went this evening...absolutely appalling and a complete waste of noney!

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Magritte says...
9:40pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Dreadful. Complete waste of money!

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John S Brook says...
11:48pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Coun Sonja Crisp, of City of York Council, said: “The scale and ambition of this year’s festival will be truly spectacular..."

The only things 'spectacular' about this event was the scale of the nerve of the organisers in charging for this rubbish and the ever-growing embarrassment and anger at realising you fell for the hype and were royally fleeced!

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BigJon says...
12:54am Fri 2 Nov 12

Thanks everyone for your comments. I was going to give in and pay to go tomorrow night but after reading the above and seeing the couple of clips on youtube I'll def. be giving it a miss. Does anyone know if the Minster or NRM displays are worth making the effort to go out for?

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mallory says...
7:49am Fri 2 Nov 12

Councillor Sonja Crisp has some glowing tweets about NRM: https://twitter.com/
CllrCrisp

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fixedfanatic says...
8:27am Fri 2 Nov 12

What a dissapointment. A few lights in amongst the bushes, no clear paths to follow and the Vic Reeves projection seems to simply be an extension of his ego.We were unable to hear the commentary that accompanied it so it was just a load of nonsense, our children took to playing on the museum steps for entertainment. There also appeared to be an event on in the hopitium so all the kitchen lights etc were happily glowing through the projections. Was looking forward to going last night but just feel ripped off.

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fixedfanatic says...
8:59am Fri 2 Nov 12

mallory wrote:
Councillor Sonja Crisp has some glowing tweets about NRM: https://twitter.com/ CllrCrisp
Quite possibly the dullest person on Twitter

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magic cat says...
9:15am Fri 2 Nov 12

When are the powers to be going to recognise that Cllr Crisp cannot manage? Everything she touches appears to turn to dust - the reduction and job losses in the Neighbourhood Management Unit at the Council; Ward Committees abandoned; the stadium now on a knife edge; libraries under threat of closure and now this. I am sure there are more. What horrors await us next week for the fireworks events?

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Emily86York says...
9:23am Fri 2 Nov 12

I'm afraid I would have to agree with all the negative comments on here. I went last last night, when you first enter things seem promising but as you start to walk around it's basically a load of lights hidden in the bushes with a couple of interactive things that the kids can play on. I personally haven't been to any of the light shows from previous years but I have seen vidoes and I must say they looked amazing, I had really high hopes for this year especially as they were now charging but I have to say it was an utter let down and very disappointing. I would save your fiver and give it a miss!

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mjr119 says...
9:49am Fri 2 Nov 12

I went last night and would echo all the other thoughts expressed. Additionally for a Council operated event I'd like to see a copy of the risk assessment for the whole site as there were a number of things that appeared to be quite dangerous to me including:

- Inadequately lit (ironically)
- Road humps on the path that weren't highlighted
- Temporary flooring that was uneven
- A number of metal poles sticking out of the ground that weren't attached to anything or providing any purpose

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Doodysays says...
12:48pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Sadly can only agree with the negative comments, very embarrassed that I took my family and it was such a let down. The only highlight was my first glass of mulled wine of the season :o)

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BigJon says...
1:32pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Has anyone noticed how quiet The Press seems to be considering the obvious number of unhappy visitors to the 'main event' and how much it seemed to have been hyping the event up in the past few weeks/months.

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BKKYorkshireboy says...
1:37pm Fri 2 Nov 12

I thought it was great.. well done Vic! Don't listen to them..

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anniecoop says...
1:42pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Thanks everyone - my feelings exactly! This is my first year living in York and I was really looking forward to this festival. Absolute rip-off! Also walked around York and there's nothing else illuminated without paying still more entry charges. Shameful!

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apeman says...
1:54pm Fri 2 Nov 12

I thought is was entertaining. As per usual people who comment on this site have nothing positive to say about anything that York does. For the budget that has been spent (which still is very small when compared with other cities light festivals) it will undoubtedly make a profit and pay for next years events. The city couldn't win with this - if they spent a lot of money and made it very entertaining but free, the same old sad gits would be moaning about council spending. Besides that, this is an open festival for ideas to be presented. If anyone wants to submit some of their own good ideas for next years events they can always have a go....

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dj4 says...
2:26pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Apeman - it is unfair to categorise the usual people who complain. I think if you read above you will see that about half the people were hugely complimentary about last year's event. The fact that this year's and last year's events involved lights is about the only way they are connected as they differed about a factor of 10 in quality. I don't think the payment is so much the issue. £5 is not such a lot but when you introduce payment but vastly downgrade the quality then it is rather galling.

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mjr119 says...
2:32pm Fri 2 Nov 12

apeman wrote:
I thought is was entertaining. As per usual people who comment on this site have nothing positive to say about anything that York does. For the budget that has been spent (which still is very small when compared with other cities light festivals) it will undoubtedly make a profit and pay for next years events. The city couldn't win with this - if they spent a lot of money and made it very entertaining but free, the same old sad gits would be moaning about council spending. Besides that, this is an open festival for ideas to be presented. If anyone wants to submit some of their own good ideas for next years events they can always have a go....
But it wasn't entertaining and it wasn't free.

They could have won if they'd have got one of those bits right or both of them.

In a this economic climate, providing your residents with an event that costs and is poor, isn't very good form.

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kazza61 says...
3:15pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Apeman: This is the first time I have commented in this area...ever!, but felt so strongly about this event. I'm a York born lass, love my City and wouldn't criticize unless I felt it was warranted. We went to this event last year and was amazed by it. I would gladly have paid a fiver for it, the money is not the issue. But this was not 'wonderland' nor 'extravaganza'. It was just poor quality and not entertaining!

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Emily86York says...
3:50pm Fri 2 Nov 12

apeman wrote:
I thought is was entertaining. As per usual people who comment on this site have nothing positive to say about anything that York does. For the budget that has been spent (which still is very small when compared with other cities light festivals) it will undoubtedly make a profit and pay for next years events. The city couldn't win with this - if they spent a lot of money and made it very entertaining but free, the same old sad gits would be moaning about council spending. Besides that, this is an open festival for ideas to be presented. If anyone wants to submit some of their own good ideas for next years events they can always have a go....
I registered purely to comment on this article as I felt so strongly about it. I was looking forward to this event and unfortunately it did not live up to expectation, what I disagree with is the fact that previous years have been amazing and free yet the year when they charge everyone comes away disappointed, I was expecting much more this year and unfortunately they did not deliver. I think you may need to remember freedom of speech and the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion before presuming everyone is the same.

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SusieSS says...
4:10pm Fri 2 Nov 12

The National Railway museum has a free event on, and I expect that will be pretty good.

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CooieGem says...
4:48pm Fri 2 Nov 12

York!!! What happened this year? Last years event was astonishing this years event was depressing and a absolute rip off, although I would have still felt robbed purely for my time even if it had have been free. Before people start with the "gosh aren't you tight" I would have quite happily paid £5 to see the lights last year.

A few dotted lights in the bushes, lights that are usually used in Coppergate Shopping Centre at xmas and 3 bikes does not make a "wonderland". It was more like a farmers garden at Christmas and we all felt like herded cattle too. Obviously we cant help the weather, however if you are going to do an event in a grassy area then the slippy mud needs to be addressed. It was too dark to see where we were walking and my poor dad (68) actually fell over and my brother tripped on poorly laid wire whilst carrying his 3 year old son.

Now onto Vik Reeves! What were you thinking. Seeing this mans head (which was almost as big as his ego) laughing at his own jokes and talking about cartoons that he had drawn that were then really crudely animated is not entertainment! Wouldn't it have been nicer to have filmed local children describing their drawings (which would have been to the same standard as Viks).

Huge disappointment all in all and I hope that the press actually report the flop it was this year.

Please make 2013s event to the same standard of 2011 and I would happily pay a entrance fee.

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BigJon says...
5:37pm Fri 2 Nov 12

apeman wrote:
I thought is was entertaining. As per usual people who comment on this site have nothing positive to say about anything that York does. For the budget that has been spent (which still is very small when compared with other cities light festivals) it will undoubtedly make a profit and pay for next years events. The city couldn't win with this - if they spent a lot of money and made it very entertaining but free, the same old sad gits would be moaning about council spending. Besides that, this is an open festival for ideas to be presented. If anyone wants to submit some of their own good ideas for next years events they can always have a go....
If you think this year's display was good I would suggest you look at this video (http://vimeo.com/10
040318). This is the Illuminating York 2008 festival which made good use of Museum Gardens....and was free.

Given this year York is celebrating it's 800'th year I would've expected something similar this year....not the overhyped celebrity tackiness that we have to pay for.

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jingles233 says...
6:18pm Fri 2 Nov 12

I really like Vic Reeves' art. It has that surreal and slightly sinister edge that made his TV work so brilliant.

It's sad to hear that it's not getting a warmer reception in York.

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Buzz Light-year says...
6:34pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Just to remind everyone how good it was last year, here is the Castle event.

It was one of the best things I have ever seen in York, I will never forget it.

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=HYqp8VyCT
jY


I am not negging out on my city, it's such a shame that this year's Illuminating York festival is something other than it has been for years.

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yorkandproud says...
7:46pm Fri 2 Nov 12

This debacle needs to be put in the same catagory as the wheel, the santas grotto in exhibition square, etc etc etc. This is the City of York, not Blackpool, not Southend, not Hull Fair. City of York council, and York Museums Trust, hang your heads in shame for allowing such an awful event, run by a fly by night company, to take place in York's jewel in the crown, namely the museum gardens. For heavens sake please, please, learn by your mistakes.

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Citizen of York says...
9:23pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Friday 2 November - went to the 7.30 'showing'. Agree with all the other comments. It was tacky and amateur. Areas poorly lit, I tripped over cables. A real disappointment compared to the fantastic events in previous years. Making it a ticketed event seemed to produce smaller numbers attending.

COME ON YORK COUNCIL - You must do better than this next year!

For anyone thinking of going to the Minster don't miss the Chapter House 800 candles - a beautiful and moving
experience.

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lozmarne1 says...
9:31pm Fri 2 Nov 12

I can only echo the majority of the comments above - after last year I expected this to be just as good, but sadly if I had known I probably wouldn't even have gone if it was free. I hope someone is taking note of the overwhelming negative feedback and can return Illuminate York to the standard it previously achieved.

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John S Brook says...
9:41pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Just got back from the NRM "Locos in a Different Light" and what a contrast to the 'Wonderland' rip off! Imaginative, atmospheric lighting of the locomotives and atmospheric sound effects to go with it - and free! (although I'd have willingly paid a fiver to see it.) Well done NRM, you put the council and the 'Wonderland Shysters' to shame.

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ebore says...
9:58pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Just been tonight. Can't understand why the phenomenal talents behind last year's show didn't get begged to do this years.

It was awful and I wish I'd had the foresight to have brought a "this is s**t" cut-out to hold on a stick in front of the projector.

PS - dancing thing broken. 3 of the pedal powered bikes broken.

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Bobsicle says...
10:00pm Fri 2 Nov 12

I went last night with the family and friends and have to say really quite enjoyed it, despite the negative reviews on here.

The interactive works were engaging and entertaining, the gardens were subtly lit and beautiful. Vic's projection was amusing and funny.... in Vic's own surreal way.

Yes... it not the same as last year... but maybe thats the point! That large scale projection, building tumbling and morphing into different shapes etc. is now being done by every city and town in the country! Even the Queen had a projection on the front of Buck Palace for the celebrations earlier in the year.

So bravo York for daring to try something new and different.

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www.yorkstories.co.uk says...
10:47pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Surely the major mistake is to have taken the central event into a gated place where only people who book and pay can see it. This changed Illuminating York in a fundamental fashion, and seems to have ripped the heart out of it.

The event seems to have worked so well over the years because it didn't just cater for pre-booked visitors but for residents too who just decided last minute to go and have a look, and we all gathered together in the open air, without complicated arrangements and fees, and were delighted and impressed and told everyone how great it was.

Putting it in the Museum Gardens and charging a fee changed the whole thing and appears to have ruined the 'brand'. It didn't really matter maybe what Vic Reeves did - it was already ruined once the decision was made to allow only a select fee-paying audience into the heart of it.

Have been to the Minster tonight, would recommend spending a fiver on that instead. Or going to the NRM, which is free. They're not in the open air and we can't all gather together for a spectacular display, but maybe we have to scale down our expectations of what 'Illuminating York' is about. ?

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BigJon says...
11:17pm Fri 2 Nov 12

Went into town tonight....Minster, bit disappointing that more wasn't done with the 'kaleidoscope' but the 800 candles was quite moving (happy to pay for entry as money will obviously go towards Minster upkeep).....Clifford
s Tower, very informative tour and great view of York from the top (well worth the £4).....and NRM, well lit, good sound effects and FREE.....also walked along the river and stood looking into Museum Gardens for a few minutes and, from what I saw, very glad I didn't bother paying to go in. Congratulations to everyone involved in Illuminating York.....except the council and the Museums Trust who should hang their heads in shame that they didn't make more of the event - it needn't have been a 'copy' of last years but at least it could've been something to help celebrate York800.

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www.yorkstories.co.uk says...
12:21am Sat 3 Nov 12

The candles in the Chapter House of the Minster, and the way they were so carefully placed in that spiral will be my abiding memory of this event.

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yorkyak says...
9:04am Sat 3 Nov 12

I went last night - such a disappointment after last year's fantastic event. Trudging round in the mud expecting to be amazed and delighted and instead encountering disappointment after disappointment. The projections made no use of the architecture of the buildings and the only sound track I could hear was Vic Reeves dull voice burbling on about something I couldn't be bothered to listen to. Last year's free event was truly spectacular and uplifting and we watched it twice. This year we couldn't wait to get out. Went to Betty's for mulled wine and cakes - a truly great York tradition, which restored our faith in the city somewhat!

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Henry_Raby says...
11:46am Sat 3 Nov 12

Lacked a narrative or story. York Youth Theatre have made two amazing promenade shows in the Gardens, one for the Missing Mysteries this year and Keys To The Kingdom several years ago. It needed a director or a writer to take us on a story round the gardens, not random and unconnected projections leaving thousands baffled. Lost opportunity I'm afraid, next time get in Slung Low theatre company to try something unique.

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YorkCityLuke says...
12:01pm Sat 3 Nov 12

I enjoy reading the Press, and it's not so bad as far as small newspapers go; but given the negative reaction on here, would it be too much to ask that they include some actual opinions of the show in their articles? Even a balanced view would do, but this article reads like an advert for the event written by the organisers...

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www.yorkstories.co.uk says...
1:46pm Sat 3 Nov 12

YorkCityLuke - there is a review of it written since - it's rather hidden away in the Features section:
http://www.yorkpress
.co.uk/features/feat
ures/10021522.Bizarr
e_beasts_in_the_ligh
t_fantastic/

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allthingsconsidered says...
3:12pm Sat 3 Nov 12

I think with a budget like that York city council would be better keeping the streetlights illuminated.Or the fire station opened

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swh1963 says...
9:46pm Sat 3 Nov 12

An overwhelmingly negative response on here then and sadly I have to echo it but only in part. This comment "The projections made no use of the architecture of the buildings and the only sound track I could hear was Vic Reeves dull voice burbling on" sums up the disappointment with the main projection but I actually thought that if the main projection had been as amazing as it was last year people would have been more impressed by the rest of the things on show some of which were pretty cool, like the people dancing in the archways for example. So it wasn't an unmitigated disaster but just disappointing compared to last year and especially so given the charging for it and all the mud. Back to Castle Museum next year with a show that one again shapes itself to the architecture but hopefully with some interesting side shows going on around it - there were some good points about this year's offering which can help inspire next year's, which we are all agreed 'must do better'.

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Am Dram Fan says...
10:21pm Sat 3 Nov 12

All Saints, North Street had the most wonderful Vesper service in sung latin. It also featured stunning illuminations, both tasteful and of a very high standard....and all free!

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Millionsknives says...
11:19pm Sat 3 Nov 12

It might be an idea for people to complain to illuminatingyork@yor
k.gov.uk or ycc@york.gov.uk (York council)

This event was an absolute joke. Me and my friends paid £50 total, which we were willing to pay because word of mouth from the past few years was so positive. Well, I'm sure they'll have no good word of mouth for next year. Why this year they decided to put in half the effort and start charging for it is a mystery to me... I can't believe they have the cheek to rip off York residents like that.

The event was obviously done on the cheap, and the Vic Reeves stuff was just total rubbish. Not entertaining to watch at all.

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Magicman! says...
4:05am Sun 4 Nov 12

It seems to me like a few doodles have been put on a school projector and beamed at a building, accompanied by a few festoon lights that blackpool found at the back of the tram shed!

Perhaps York should have it's own version of Blackpool illuminations, done tastefully, with LED lighting strung between lamp posts down museum street to look like shining jewels, with projector lights fitted temporarily to lamp posts to beam chaning light colours onto nearby buildings, and maybe even have a free shuttle bus going round the city centre (including the pedestrianised area as this would be after dark so the pedestrian hours would have finished anyway) and have the free shuttle bus done up in lights like a blackpool illuminations tram.

a few pictures of elephants with seal heads and the suchlike don't merit admission prices.

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Arramattic says...
8:38am Sun 4 Nov 12

Wonderland. Hmmm. Have to agree with all the negative comments. I was expecting the same standard as previous fantastic yrs, and very happy to pay £5, but not for that. BUT the railway museum and Barley Hall were absolutely fantastic, well done all who did that, and well done the Stewards looking after us all at the Wonderland. Probably a difficult task with all the unhappy punters coming out. Was also "Wut"??? At the big screen next to Bettys. Too bright, very poor sound, and in a lousy location with cars driving past, and drunks stumbling past

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Arramattic says...
8:44am Sun 4 Nov 12

This is my video of a bit of last yr - stunning
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=EsG67fP_U
cc&feature=youtube_g
data_player

Music may not be to everyones taste though.
Perhaps York Council had to make cut backs due to strain on budgets?

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smith63 says...
10:59am Sun 4 Nov 12

I have to agree that this year's spectacular was not. Previous year's shows have been so much better. Wednesday night's performance was not helped by people standing on the museum frontage, obscuring the display - resulting in shadow umbrellas. Mind you, on second thoughts some of these shadows were better than the 'proper' display. However, the Minster display kept me captivated for quite a while.

Please bring back something like last year!! I'd happily pay a fiver to see that.

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Buzz Light-year says...
11:32am Sun 4 Nov 12

www.yorkstories.co.u
k wrote:
Surely the major mistake is to have taken the central event into a gated place where only people who book and pay can see it. This changed Illuminating York in a fundamental fashion, and seems to have ripped the heart out of it. The event seems to have worked so well over the years because it didn't just cater for pre-booked visitors but for residents too who just decided last minute to go and have a look, and we all gathered together in the open air, without complicated arrangements and fees, and were delighted and impressed and told everyone how great it was. Putting it in the Museum Gardens and charging a fee changed the whole thing and appears to have ruined the 'brand'. It didn't really matter maybe what Vic Reeves did - it was already ruined once the decision was made to allow only a select fee-paying audience into the heart of it. Have been to the Minster tonight, would recommend spending a fiver on that instead. Or going to the NRM, which is free. They're not in the open air and we can't all gather together for a spectacular display, but maybe we have to scale down our expectations of what 'Illuminating York' is about. ?
This is it. Spot on.

What once felt like a community event, something you could perhaps just stumble across and be pleasantly surprised, something the folks of York could actually feel a part of has been turned into a ticketed, pre-booked corporate event.
The consumer model taking precedence over the artistic model.

Like yorkstories says, it's harsh to blame Vic Reeves, it doesn't matter what the content is, once everyone is forced to be a customer they start demanding their rights and questioning the value of their fee.

Ruined it.

What next?
Gated and ticketed New Year's Eve outside the minster event?
No photographs of the King's Arms without prepaid licence when the river floods?

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www.yorkstories.co.uk says...
12:11pm Sun 4 Nov 12

"What next?
Gated and ticketed New Year's Eve outside the minster event?"

Perhaps ... The Press pages listing various York800 events mention a Community New Year's Eve. Fear we may have to listen to councillors giving speeches ...

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WixiBoy says...
9:28am Mon 5 Nov 12

i even emailed illuminatingyork@yor
k.gov.uk to askfor a refund.
they said:
Thank you very much for your comments about Illuminate York. I am sorry that the event was not as you hoped it would be and I am afraid that we are unable to refund your ticket price for this event.

We take all feedback about festivals and events very seriously. Once Illuminating York is over we will be reviewing the event and I will ensure that your comments are passed on to be part of the evaluation. It is through comments such as yours that we hope to improve the experience year on year.

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YorkShame says...
9:49am Mon 5 Nov 12

Bought tickets ages ago, but after reading the comments on here and looking at footage on Youtube, (underwhelming to say the least) I decided not to bother going. Come on York, book up United VJs now for next year (the people who did the Castle Museum projections) - they might be free if you hurry.....

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YorkieTalkie says...
12:07pm Tue 6 Nov 12

I had bought tickets a few days before the Friday's show, and then saw the reviews here and really thought it was going to be dreadful.

Although I felt the show was OK, in no way did it live up to last year's illuminations at York Castle Museum which were superb and free.

I do feel York800 may have resulted in some over-enthusiastic ideas like this one being run, when there should have been fewer but higher quality events.

Half jokingly, I really hope resident's weekend in early 2013 remains free...

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Janey66 says...
4:54pm Tue 6 Nov 12

We have been to the last 3 Illuminating York events all have been really good. Except this years debacle in Museum Gardens. It was an appalling ego massage for Vic Reeves, mediocre, amateur, disappointing. I would be very interested to know what his fee for his 'art' was...indeed the 'Emperors New Clothes' story spring to mind. One suspects that the people behind Illuminating York were so in awe of this celebrity they fawned all over his painful attempt at being deep & meaningful whilst he whistled all the way to the bank. Such utter fools all of you. However, thankfully we attended the FREE event at All Saints and it was beautiful. I would've happily parted with my £5 for this (yes we did contribute when we left) I do sincerely hope that the people who brought this travesty to Museum Gardens have a very very long, hard think about how they let the wonderful city of York down. Such an opportunity wasted on such dreadful second rate rubbish. I look forward to Illuminating York letting us know the fee for Mr Reeves. I also would like to say that when we left a steward asked us how we had enjoyed it, when we told her we hadn't she told us that almost everyone had said the same on Saturday evening...

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Arramattic says...
6:12pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Vic Reeves apparently did it for free

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Magicman! says...
12:42am Wed 7 Nov 12

If that's true then it shows.

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chalkytalky says...
1:20pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Arramattic wrote:
Vic Reeves apparently did it for free
Good job it was terrible! Real shame as I missed 2011 show and heard it was great. Went to this and wouldnt go again. £5 wasted. So many better causes could have benefitted from that money.

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