Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 York Minster fire, PHOENIX light show tells the story of the people of York’s resilience in the face of disaster. The light show, created by award-winning artists Ross Ashton and Karen Mondid, is running until 2 November and utilises new projection mapping and sound installation technologies. Tickets are available for £7.50 each and the event aims to raise funds for continued restoration and conservation efforts on the Minster.
I booked the 8.20pm slot, but arrived early at 8pm, and saw a queue stretching around the side of the Minster – but don’t let that deter you! Once the 8pm slot opened, the queue went down almost immediately and by twenty-past there was none at all.
Upon entering, you are guided into the nave where the pews have been removed and people either stand or sit on the floor. The images are projected onto the inner west front and across the vaults on the ceiling.
As a History student, I particularly enjoyed the use of narrative devices. Public accounts of the events of the fire were incorporated into the show. Intertwined within the soundscape were clippings of people recounting their impressions upon hearing about the Minster fire; radio accounts of the events, and newspaper headlines were projected across the wall. Bringing history to the public in an engaging and tangible manner is integral for maintaining the importance of local histories, and PHOENIX is successful in doing so. The storytelling in the show was engaging and the depiction of the Minster ablaze was truly one of the most impactful parts. The imagery of engulfing flames accompanied by a dramatic orchestral score, followed by projections of the Minster falling down around you, was gripping, stirring up an audible reaction from the audience.
One of the most striking aspects of the show was the use of colour in highlighting the intricacies of the Minster’s architecture. Neon projections are contrasted against the ornate details of the tracery. The elegance of the architecture lit up with such vibrant colours created a striking and imposing display, one which draws attention to the often overlooked, finer details of the Minster’s interior. My one criticism is that the space could have been used much more effectively. It was only one side of the Minster and the ceiling which had projections on them. It felt as though the space as a whole was underutilised, made even more noticeable by the fact that the audio wasn’t surround-sound. Had there been greater funding, perhaps more projections which surrounded the audience would have created a much more immersive experience.
The Minster website describes the York Minster as “a beacon of human creativity where artisans and craftspeople have told stories through the media arts for generations.” Despite my previous criticism, the PHOENIX lightshow is truly a testament to this legacy, bringing the history of the heart of the city to life in an imaginative and exciting manner.
The importance of community resilience triumphs in the story of the Minster fire, with people all across the world coming together to help with reconstruction efforts. The idea of community determination is important now perhaps more than ever. With the increased isolation many people are feeling in the age of technology, arts and community projects not only help us understand our complex past, but also bring people together in a meaningful and impactful way. With the proceeds going to continuing conservation efforts, the PHOENIX lightshow is an excellent experience, one which I highly recommend.
