York Colourscape Festival 2003 turns the Museum Gardens into a magical world of music and colour from tomorrow until August 3.

Billed as the only music festival to take place within a sculpture, Colourscape is a multi-chambered labyrinth of pure colour illuminated by natural daylight.

Visitors wear a cloak of primary colours to walk freely in the structure and experience views of radiating colours, while musicians and dancers perform within the labyrinth.

In the grand opening event at noon tomorrow, York nursery children will perform The Elements, based on images of earth, air, fire and water, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Charles Hall. Children from Clifton Green, Hobmoor and Westfield schools have spent a week building their own musical instruments and learning how to use microphones and make music.

On Sunday, from noon to 5pm, the Liverpool group Urban Strawberry Lunch will play music on giant pipes, xylophones made from mirrors and coloured glass, old wheel hubs and car horns, and further performances will follow through the week. A brass quartet will play on August 2; York group Departure Lounge on August 3.

York Colourscape Festival is open daily from noon to 5pm, tomorrow until next Sunday. Admission is £5 for adults, £2.50 for children, with reduced admission for York Card holders. For more information, ring the festival mobile number, 07905 974922. Colourscape is wheelchair accessible.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, July 25, 2003