THE region’s tourism capital is planning to broaden its appeal – and inspire people to stay longer in the early evenings.

York has been awarded £100,000 from the Arts Council England to create “Vespertine” - a series of culturally-inspired art installations and events.

Over the next two years a range of city partners will create 18 free and innovative activities on specific dates across the city centre.

They may include musical performances, light projections or art installations that come to life as the city’s retail sector closes for the evening.

York Archaeological Trust’s director of attractions, Sarah Maltby, said: “Feedback from residents and visitors to York highlights a gap between the end of the working day and the start of the evening, which provides no incentive for people to remain in the city centre after 5.30pm.

“Vespertine will bring the city back to life, with a series of mini-events that people can either plan to come and see, or simply stumble across as they wander around the city.”

The Trust successfully led the consortium of partners from the city’s attractions, cultural leaders and City of York Council to bid for the grant. The local authority will additionally contribute £30,000, to be matched by contributions from the partners.

The name Vespertine comes from the Latin word “vesper” which means evening.