Ghost sculpture event returns to city's gardens

A ghost depicting a nun in York Museum Gardens

More than 40 sculptures of ghosts have been placed around York city centre as part of a popular history trail.

Ghosts in the Gardens features wire mesh figures that each represent a person from York's past.

The free event runs until 5 November and includes locations such as Museum Gardens, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall and The Shambles.

Organisers York BID said the trail promised to be "better than ever". It began in 2021 with just 10 sculptures.

The figures have been created by Unconventional Design and include infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who was imprisoned and sentenced to death in York in the 18th Century.

The trail also pays homage to local legends, such as the bear that escaped from the Museum Gardens menagerie in the early 1800s and the University of York's campus duck, Long Boi.

A new character is the ghost of Mary Ann Fisher, a female stonemason who worked at the Church of Holy Trinity in the 19th Century.

There are also new locations on the trail, including the city walls, St Olave's Church and the railway station.

Dick Turpin, who was imprisoned and sentenced to death in York, features as one of the ghosts

After the trail ends, all 45 figures will be moved to Museum Gardens for a four-night ticketed event called Ghosts After Dark.

The evening illuminations and storytelling take place between 7-10 November.

Carl Alsop, operations manager at York BID, said: "With ever-increasing prices for family-friendly attractions, this is set to be a great value experience for everyone.

"We’re committed to supporting local businesses during the colder winter months."

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