Durham Lumiere announces 2025 return dates and its plans for another sparkling event
The dates have been announced for the return of much-loved Durham light festival Lumiere which will be back in the autumn with another array of dazzling artworks making up a trail around the city.
The free festival, created for us every other year by leading arts producer Artichoke, has confirmed it will be back in the autumn for a three-evening run - one less than last time - which promises to 'feed the imagination with magic and joy'. And that means a host of new installations will be lighting up city streets, buildings and the riverside from November 13-15 and bringing a welcome blast of colour to dark nights.
Lumiere, which was the UK’s first light art biennial, made its debut in 2009 and has drawn tens of thousands of visitors with every run. Commissioned by Durham County Council, it has been extended in recent years to include artworks in other areas of the county, while peak-time tickets - which are free - were introduced for the city centre's attractions to help cope with crowds.
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Its last event, in 2023, was as stunning as ever, featuring 40 artworks and highlights including the likes of an installation made up of 61 antique chandeliers hanging inside the Chapter House of Durham Cathedral which was made by famous Chinese name Ai Weiwei - one of three world-renowned artists showing work there for the first time. This time around, the light festival's programme will include exclusive commissions by more UK and internationally-known artists.
It says it will be "transforming the city into an illuminated art gallery with spectacular artworks" but points out that, in view of rising costs and funding challenges, the support of businesses and individuals is more vital this year than ever. It is grateful to its variety of local partners but is keen to hear from others as there is still time for them to join in an event which, since its 2009 debut, has actually made an economic impact of a whopping £43m.
Helen Marriage, the artistic director of Artichoke, says: “We’re so excited to be returning to Durham to programme the next edition of Lumiere, the landmark cultural event in the North East. As well as providing a unique platform for some of the world’s greatest artists, and giving everyone the chance to see great art, Lumiere has been consistent over the years in bringing tangible benefits to the local community, building the local economy and training local kids."
The festival again will include its learning and participation programme Beyond the Lights, which also offers volunteering opportunities and has benefited more than 14,000 local people and schoolchildren over the years, during which Lumiere is said to have attracted more than 1.3m visitors. Helen added of the festival: "It is made possible only because of the amazing partnerships forged over the years with Durham County Council, Arts Council England and Durham’s local institutions and businesses who all invest in the event to bring wider benefits to the community.”
Point North, which was formerly County Durham Community Foundation, helps with a match fund that increases some sponsorships and contributions by up to 50%; directly helping to support local communities. Council leader Amanda Hopgood called Lumiere "a shining example of the transformative power of culture", adding: "The positive impact of Lumiere cannot be overstated."
Anyone interested in becoming involved in this autumn's Lumiere can contact Ma'ayan.Plane@artichoke.uk.com and those wanting to sign up to the festival newsletter can do so on its website here.