I READ with interest a letter from Mrs Graham (August 22). There are several inaccuracies that need correcting.

Colourscape has now appeared in the Museum Gardens for six years and each year it runs a nine-day festival. Contrary to Mrs Graham's belief, the York Colourscape Festival is not designed for tourists but for residents.

Most tourists come to see the Minster, the city walls and other sights of York. It is probably fair to say that most York residents might have seen these a few times and appreciate something different and really special during the long summer holidays.

It is a shame Mrs Graham didn't come and make her feelings known at the time.

If she had seen actually inside Colourscape she would have discovered a unique experience of colour and light which most people find extremely uplifting.

Combine the long views of beautiful colours and radiant light inside Colourscape with dancers and music and the result is a powerful artistic experience.

Colourscape is not a profit-making concern but an educational charity. We estimate that more than 70 per cent of our attendance is from local people who all receive discounted tickets with the famous York Card.

We also give away 200 free tickets to young York residents who take workshops in the science of colour and light.

We received hundreds of positive written comments from visitors to Colourscape this year.

I can understand that Mrs Graham misses her view of the gardens, but Colourscape only takes up a small part of these beautiful grounds and only for a short part of the summer. There is a great tradition of sculptures appearing in historic gardens and Colourscape is part of that tradition.

Simon Desorgher,

Colourscape Music Festival,

Penwortham Road,

South Croydon.

...MRS Graham, your summer visit to York may have been spoiled by an "eyesore" in Museum Gardens, but for those of us who live here the temporary Colourscape exhibition is a wonderful and all-too-brief event.

It was a great pleasure to wander through Colourscape with my three-year-old daughter, who was captivated by the vivid chambers inside.

The exhibit is a brilliant and relaxing experience, showcasing music and dance from around York and is one of the few places I can take my daughter where we are under no pressure to buy fizzy drinks, soft toys and all the other trappings of commercialisation.

Your complaint shows no understanding of the unique experience taking place in the Museum Gardens. I suggest you check before your next visit, just to make sure the view of the grass won't be obscured.

Is there an alternative site in York that would provide a good location for the Colourscape festival?

Martin Wheeler,

Hartoft Street,

York.

Updated: 11:41 Saturday, August 31, 2002