ATOMIC Kitten thrilled their young audience at the York Barbican Centre last night. The band, booked before a run of recent chart hits, performed in front of a sell-out crowd.

This is only the latest big name to play the Barbican. Recent performances from Louise and Ocean Colour Scene are to be followed by one of the bands of the moment, Spiritualized.

Young people have not always been well served by York's leisure programme.

The management of the Barbican is doing an excellent job of changing that.

This must continue, whatever happens to this important venue.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, February 25, 2002