285 - Throughout the year there are special events organised in York to attract visitors, several of them being just before Christmas to stimulate sales in city centre shops. I'm not very impressed with the St Nicholas Fayre, and the Christmas lights are a bit disappointing, but the Festival of Angels is the event I really enjoy, and which really marks the beginning of the Christmas season for me.
A variety of ice sculptures are on display along a number of streets, centred on the area around Swinegate. The festival name comes from the fact that when it was first held all the sculptures were angels. Now there is a much wider variety of subjects, not all of which are Christmas related.
The angel illustrated here was not the best shot that I took today, but I chose it because it looks as if the angel is crying - look carefully and there are water droplets running down the side of the face.
I'm sure there are angels in heaven crying today, in sympathy with the tears being shed on earth following the school massacre in Connecticut in the USA. My thoughts and prayers are for all those affected by this tragic event.
Thank you Ruth - it's sad to see some of our schools look more like fortresses with security fencing etc, but then you hear this news, and understand the need for such security.
Thank you Marie - I found this particularly tragic. My own grandson is just 5 and started school this year. The idea that children litte older than him should go to school and be killed is just heartbreaking
Nicely captured. Your commentary sent me back to see the tears on the sculpture.
I think everybody in the US is upset about the latest shooting. I think this really hits us who work in the schools as staff and volunteers.
Thank you Bob, I think people all over the world share the sadness felt in the US over this appalling event. Many of our schools look more like prisons with security fencing etc being installed, but when you hear of events like this, the reason becomes obvious. I hope this leads to changes to reduce the risks of any further such terrible events.
@if1 Ian, it is getting that way here also. Staff and volunteers all wear visible photo identification cards and only one door is unlocked to the outside. Many schools a bell has to be rung to gain entry. Tis sad.
I had never heard of the the Festival before - something else to add to my bucket list! But I had heard about the massacre, and like you, my heart goes out to the victims' families. A fitting tribute here, Ian.
Thank you Janet - this festival is an annual event, usually a couple of weekends before Christmas. Until this year the sculptures were restricted to a group of side streets off Petergate and Stonegate (to draw shoppers into these quieter shops), but they have spread out a bit this year, and you could see a demonstration of one being carved in Kings Square.
Thank you Kd - not the best of shots but it did mirror how I felt. Such a hard time, particularly for the children directly affected and their friends and families.
December 19th, 2012
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Thank you Brian - there were about 20 different ones, and the chance to see one being made. A fascinating afternoon.
Thank you Debra, glad you like it.
Thank you Ladyjane, the ice sculptures are fascinating.
Thank you Ruth - it's sad to see some of our schools look more like fortresses with security fencing etc, but then you hear this news, and understand the need for such security.
I agree Vesna. I condemn atrocities wherever they happen, but this, with so many children killed, I found very upsetting indeed
Thank you Marie - I found this particularly tragic. My own grandson is just 5 and started school this year. The idea that children litte older than him should go to school and be killed is just heartbreaking
I think everybody in the US is upset about the latest shooting. I think this really hits us who work in the schools as staff and volunteers.
Thank you Carol. Words are so inadequate for this situation, but the water drops running down the face of this ice angel was really meaningful to me.
Thank you Cindy. I really hope the relatives and friends of those killed can find solace somehow.
Thank you Pyrrhula, it was fascinating to see the variety of sculptures and to see one being made.
Thank you Bob, I think people all over the world share the sadness felt in the US over this appalling event. Many of our schools look more like prisons with security fencing etc being installed, but when you hear of events like this, the reason becomes obvious. I hope this leads to changes to reduce the risks of any further such terrible events.
Thank you Ann, it wasn't the best shot of the day, but the water drops running down the face shouted at me to be posted.
Thank you Judith - but words and a photo seem so inadequate somehow
Thank you Janet - this festival is an annual event, usually a couple of weekends before Christmas. Until this year the sculptures were restricted to a group of side streets off Petergate and Stonegate (to draw shoppers into these quieter shops), but they have spread out a bit this year, and you could see a demonstration of one being carved in Kings Square.
Thank you Kd - not the best of shots but it did mirror how I felt. Such a hard time, particularly for the children directly affected and their friends and families.