YORK is a beautiful city, but it can be a frustrating place for young people.

Located tantalisingly close to the bustling metropolis of Leeds, the live music and youth scene this side of the A1 is often lacking.

If you like live music, have restricted transport options and live in York then it's easy to feel like a child staring through the sweet store window at Leeds and Manchester, knowing that access is reserved for rare occasions.

Joy of joy then, when the Evening Press reported a music festival to be held on Knavesmire, with bands that people have heard of (February 22).

Not only is this a chance for the young music fans of York to have a good time (I know that may seem an abhorrent suggestion for some) at a reasonably affordable price, but it's an incredible opportunity for musicians in our community to showcase their talent alongside experienced performers.

Jon Stokes,

Mill Lane,

Acaster Malbis, York.

...PEOPLE are protesting against the proposed rock festival. How selfish can you get? Compared with the violence at football matches, and people running riot at the races, both of which happen in York, rock music festivals (not to be confused with pop music festivals) are comparatively amiable events.

I walked alone among a crowd of 80,000 at Versailles' Pink Floyd concert without fear of violence, which I would not have done in a football or racing crowd.

I am a 65-year-old woman and I live close to the City football ground. I have cars parked in front of my house every time there is a match, taxis cannot take me home without difficulty and crowds walk past after the match, but I do not complain. I like to see people enjoying themselves, and although I do not like football, I would not dream of trying to stop the matches.

Surely for one day of the year, people who don't like music could just go out for the day or shut all the windows and turn up the telly.

Come on you spoil sports, let people who enjoy music have their day in York.

Jean Taylor,

Burton Stone Lane, York.

...THE York Arts Forum music and cultural weekend this summer is important for the city. This weekend will contribute to music and art in the city.

York people will be given the opportunity to act cultural and express freedoms.

Not to mention that a city which thrives on tourism, will benefit from the YAF weekend: hotels, restaurants and pubs will be full of people spending their money supporting the local economy.

Cherie E Federico,

Bootham Crescent,

Bootham, York.

Updated: 11:36 Saturday, March 01, 2003