YORK'S Barbican Centre is to host "the finest trance and hard dance event ever witnessed" in the city's clubland in the run-up to Christmas.

But plans for the late-night rave on Saturday, December 23, have prompted an angry reaction from campaigners.

Posters and flyers have appeared in the city promoting a dance music festival, called Nu/York!

Promoter Wayne Leighton, of organisers Harder Timez, said he had met with police to discuss security and transport arrangements at the 1,200-capacity event, and the force was happy with the plans in place.

He said: "Everything has been properly organised, we've got full security.

"The only issue the police brought up was about noise nuisance when the event ends, but we've got a taxi firm on standby with minibuses and taxis to take people home."

He said world famous DJs, such as Mark Eg and Paul Glazby, would be playing at the event and that it would boost York's profile as an "event city".

But the Save Our Barbican (SOB) campaign group has blasted the event, claiming that it proves City of York Council's claims the Barbican would not become a nightclub were false.

SOB spokesman Ernie Dickinson said: "If this event goes ahead as advertised, it confirms everything we've been predicting.

"It shows the council's licensing department were entirely wrong in giving all the licenses they did, despite our warnings.

"They've said time and time again the Barbican would not be a disco or a nightclub and now, even before it's been properly reopened, we've got this event."

He said there were many elderly people living in the area around the Barbican, and late-night noise was an issue for them.

In January, new Barbican Centre owners Absolute Leisure were granted a license to hold music events which go on until 2.30am.

A spokesman for Absolute Leisure said it was not responsible for promoting the event, having leased the centre out to Harder Timez for the evening. He refuted claims the centre would be used as a nightclub.

"We have always said the Barbican is not going to be a nightclub, and it is not," he said. "This is one of many events held at the centre to appeal to a variety of groups.

"As well as this, we have family events like the Christmas Carol concert, things like the football screenings during the World Cup, and the Festival Of Remembrance. We're trying to cater for every market."

A council spokeswoman said: "The police have been notified that the event is taking place, but the venue already has a licence for this type of event.

"We understand that this is a one-off specialist dance music event."