LIKE a fleeting wraith, Illuminating York is gone almost as soon as it arrives. English Heritage chair Liz Page thinks this fabulous son et lumiere should run throughout the winter. What a great idea. Lighting up the dank, dark months would be a real tonic for all and a welcome addition to the city’s nightlife, offering something else to do rather than just go to the pub or the pictures.

The idea is to encourage as many businesses as possible to light up their buildings for as long as possible. Ms Page is hopeful that next year’s tenth anniversary of Illuminating York could see the beginning of this winter-long event.

Some may think it’s a waste of energy, but we disagree; just think what it could do for the tourist economy. It will need careful planning and a number of organisations will have to come on board, but we say why not?