YORK'S historic city wall bars are sparkling this winter after being draped with shimmering lights by the York Business Improvement District (BID).

Monk Bar, Micklegate Bar, Walmgate Bar and Bootham Bar are all illuminated by festive lights, making them ‘shining gateways’ to the city centre and its historic attractions and businesses.

A BID spokesman said the light installation, which will run from December until February, was part of the organisation's overall commitment to enhancing the city’s inviting atmosphere for all who lived, visited, studied and worked there.

Andrew Lowson, executive director the York BID - a business-led partnership which aims to deliver improvements to the city centre, funded by a levy - said that during a consultation, businesses had expressed the need for a greater presence of winter lights stretching beyond popular holiday market areas such as Parliament Street, St. Sampson’s Square and King’s Square.

"The bars of the city walls are prominent features in York’s cityscape; the winter lights will spotlight these impressive landmarks and brighten the atmosphere during these dark, early-drawn nights."

Shelagh Garside, owner of Curtain Up on Micklegate, said the illumination of the bars would lend to the festive spirit during the holidays and throughout the winter season.

"The lights will transform the look and feel of the main entrances to our city, and deliver a visually uplifting sight that will convey the message that York welcomes you to our beautiful city," she said.

David Fraser, chief executive of York Civic Trust, also welcomed the lights at the city's four historic entrances, saying: "They are cheerful and welcoming, and give a message to all residents and visitors that York and its businesses are open for the festive season.

"We know that no damage has been done to the historic fabric of the walls, and the dark days of December need a bit of lightening up. Let's enjoy the sparkle!"