THOUSANDS of people watched in awe as Lumiere Durham 2013 flickered into action in spectacular style tonight (Thursday, November 14).

The third biennial light festival, which continues each evening until Sunday, attracted visitors of all ages from across the region and beyond, drawn by its stunning range of more than 20 unique light-based art installations sited across Durham City.

Among the highlights were a larger-than-life 3D elephant high above Elvet Bridge, an illuminated aquarium in a red telephone box in Durham Market Place and the return of the ever-popular Crown of Light, which sees images from the Lindisfarne Gospels scroll across the exterior of Durham Cathedral.

Organisers Artichoke promised high-octane excitement, moments of quiet contemplation and pure joyous fun and the large crowds were not let down, looking on with delight as the installations were switched on around 4.30pm.

Jayne Williamson, originally from Sunderland but now living in Uttoxeter, made the return trip north specially for Lumiere with partner Steve Ingram.

She said: “We normally come back a couple of times a year but this time we wanted to come back for this.

“The phone box is really inventive but we really want to see the Cathedral because we’ve heard it’s fantastic.”

Deborah Elliott, from Durham, visiting with children Jack, six, and Imogen, three, said: “It looks fantastic. It’s amazing to see all the different installations.

“We’ve been to every one. We remember how busy it was last time. This is much better.”

Following complaints about overcrowding at Lumiere 2011, access to the central area between 4.30pm and 7.30pm is by ticket only. As the festival got going tonight (THURSDAY), numbers were growing slowly, with queuing systems apparently working well. Belmont and Sniperley park-and-ride sites were full by 5pm, with motorists advised to use extra car parks at Merryoaks and New College Durham.

A replica of the sun 100 million times smaller than the real thing was delayed due to high winds.

All central area tickets have now been issued but there are many attractions elsewhere and the peninsula reopens to all at 7.30pm, with the lights staying on until 11pm. Durham is expected to be busy again tomorrow, as Lumiere spectators mingle with late-night revellers. Visitors are advised to wrap up warm, although it is expected to stay dry and be a little milder than tonight.

Lumiere was previously staged in 2009 and 2011. Last time, it attracted 150,000 visitors and generated £4.3m for the economy. After Sunday, the festival will move to Londonderry from November 28 to December 1, where it will round off the Northern Irish city’s year as UK City of Culture 2013.

Keep up to date with the latest Lumiere news at thenorthernecho.co.uk, lumiere-festival.com/durham, facebook.com/artichoketrust and on Twitter using #lumieredurham