Seven churches across York will be turning purple on 19th November in preparation for Christmas, as part of the city’s Festive First Night.

The spires and towers of Holy Trinity Micklegate, All Saints North Street, All Saints Pavement, St Denys Walmgate, St Mary's on Coppergate, St Sampson's Centre on Church Street, and the West End of York Minster will be lit with purple lights until Christmas, and the Archdeacon of York, the Ven. Richard Seed will offer a blessing for all York’s Christmas festivities on the evening of 19th November.

The Ven Richard Seed, Archdeacon of York said, “I think this is a wonderful project – I can’t wait to see these churches lit up in purple. Purple is the colour of Advent – it’s when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time of joyful anticipation, and painting the churches of York with purple light is a unique way of highlighting this joy.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, leader of the City of York Council said, "These churches are some of York's most beautiful buildings, and speak of our city's heritage. We want to share how wonderful York is with people from all over the country, and we hope that these beautiful illuminations will encourage people to visit in the run up to Christmas as something distinct from other cities at this time of year."

Micklegate Bar, Monk Bar, Bootham Bar, Walmgate Bar, Clifford's Tower, the Castle Museum, Fairfax House, the Red Tower and the Roman Column will also be lit up, as part of the City of York Council’s Festive First Night.

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