CLIFFORD'S Tower was bathed in colour to celebrate the launch of a York-wide digital arts festival SightSonic.

The festival, which was launched today and will run until October 19, will feature almost 40 events in 11 venues across the city in a programme featuring designers, archaeologists, artist and student photographers.

As part of a one-off performance, influenced by Buddhism, the historic monument was coated in a "mesh of kinetic activity".

English Heritage granted permission for a speaker and light system to be installed inside the structure, immersing it in "psychological energy and dynamic movement" for the entire festival.

The event coincides with the visit to York by the ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Masaki Orita.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, October 16, 2003