Colourscape, the only music festival to take place within a sculpture, will return to the Museum Gardens in York from tomorrow until August 1.

Should you be a Colourscape novice, the festival take places inside a multi-chambered labyrinth of pure colour, illuminated by natural daylight.

Specifically built for the Museum Gardens, the York Colourscape is designed to fill the lawns in Museum Gardens with 50 chambers, each more than four metres across.

"Each visitor will wear a primary-coloured cape to enter into the structure and then walk freely, experiencing endless views of radiating, rainbow colours that open up in every direction," explains Colourscape co-ordinator Simon Desorgher.

"Musicians and dancers perform anywhere within the labyrinth, and hidden loudspeakers transmit the music that echoes along the corridors of colour. Turn a corner and discover an oboe trio playing; turn another corner and discover a vibrant silver space with a grand piano in the centre: the effect is intriguing, like a ship in a bottle."

Simon says the past reactions of thousands of visitors affirm our strong feelings about colour: "Some people describe red as a physical presence; others hesitate to step into it. Some people find green relaxing, others find it disturbing. Find out how you respond when you come to Colourscape."

Each day there will be performances in Colourscape. "These are unscheduled, anything may happen," promises Simon. "The average length of visit will be about half an hour, and during that time you will hear a good sample of the afternoon's performances."

At tomorrow's opening event, the new group db Ensemble will play in York for the first time, performing new British music on wind instruments, piano and electronics.

On Sunday, avant-garde trombonist Alan Tomlinson - he of The Shed's musical Fish & Chip Van Tour in Ryedale last November - will create extraordinary noises by inserting tubing, squeakers and hoses in his trombone. Spinning around on an axis, he will bounce sound off every surface in the company of Simon Desorgher's flute playing and the computer musicianship of Lawrence Casserley.

On July 31, the Pipers Three Oboe Quartet will be in the labyrinth; on August 1, composer/double bassist Barry Guy will perform with baroque violinist Maya Homberg.

Workshops sessions will be held in Colourscape from Monday to Friday next week. From midday to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm each day, Colourscape artists will lead participants on a discovery of the nature of colour and light.

"You can find out how the brain creates its own colours and discover the emotional effects of colour and light," says Simon. "Groups and people with special needs are welcome. Please note, Colourscape is totally wheelchair accessible."

Free spaces are available for these afternoon Colourscape visits. Contact the Summer Days programme on 01904 658338 to book a space.

York Colourscape Festival, Museum Gardens, York, tomorrow until August 1, open daily from 12 noon to 5pm. Admission: adults, £5, children £2.50, reduced price for York Card holders. For more information, ring the Festival Mobile, 07905 974922, or check the website www.colourscape.org.uk

Updated: 16:08 Thursday, July 22, 2004