Culture is a funny thing. People can get uptight about what is defined as culture and yet, it can come down to a matter of taste - and that's going to differ from one person to another.

"I know what I like!" would be the stereotypical Yorkshire response.

Maybe that's the right way of thinking. Just so long as you don't denigrate anyone else's form of culture.

Take these two festivals for instance, taking place at the same time: York Roman Festival in Library Gardens, and the Illuminating York Festival next door in Museum Gardens.

The 'Accendo' piece truly showed our heritage in a new light, by projecting images of artifacts and literary gems from the Yorkshire Museum and its Library onto the architecture of St. Mary's Abbey and the Museum. It was a superb artwork by Ross Ashton, ably photographed here by city archeaologist John Oxley. Ta John.

Directly next door in Library Gardens, the Roman Festival held its 'living history camp' demonstrating crafts, cooking, and allowing kids to dress up and drill as Roman soldiers. Great fun for all the family... despite the weather.

So why is it that the culturati look down their noses at the Roman Festival? Why is that form of culture of less value? This kind of snobbishness troubles me and I feel that it reflects badly on those who exhibit it.

I believe there is a place for cultural diversity in York, whether that be eclectic digital art of SightSonic or the home-spun fun of the Roman Festival, whether it be opera at City Screen or punk at The Duchess. There is something for everyone in York. It's just that divisive us & them attitude that disappoints me sometimes.