VOLUNTEERS are wanted to help make the return of a spectacular light festival a sparkling success.

A third Lumiere festival will be held in Durham City from November 14 to 17.

Producers Artichoke wants to recruit 200 volunteers, or Festival Makers, to work alongside professional stewards in assisting visitors.

An information session will be held at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, on Tuesday, April 16, from 5pm to 7pm.

Festival Makers will distribute brochures, help visitors navigate Durham, explain the artworks on display and help organise events and talks.

Artichoke director Nicky Webb said: “We’re looking for local people of all ages and with good local knowledge.

“The role of the Games Makers during last year’s Olympics showed how essential volunteers are to the smooth running of any large-scale event. Their enthusiasm was inspirational and infectious.”

Among those already planning to volunteer is Chris Stephenson, whose husband Mick created the artwork Fusion for Lumiere 2011.

She said: “There was such a buzz about the last Lumiere and all of the volunteers are so helpful and friendly that I thought this time I would love to get involved with it.”

For more information, call Artichoke on 020-7650-7611 or email: festivalmakers@artichoke.uk.com Lumiere 2011 attracted about 150,000 people over four November nights and is said to have generated £4.3m for the economy. But many complained of poor crowd management, with some areas becoming congested.