A TORNADO of flames, a flash mob of brightly coloured umbrellas and thousands of illuminated flowers are among the star attractions of a light festival set to arrive in the region next month.

Artists from all over the world are heading to Durham to take part in Lumiere, the UK’s largest light festival, which takes place from Thursday, November 16 to Sunday, November 19.

The full programme for this year’s event, which will feature 29 light installations by both British and international artists, was revealed today ahead of tickets becoming available tomorrow.

Some of the pieces will transform well-known landmarks while others will encourage people to get involved with the art - whether by putting on a performance to be projected against the Gala Theatre or using social media to interact with a periodic table of emotions to take the “emotional temperature” of the festival.

Artistic director Helen Marriage, from Artichoke said: “We are so proud of being here and so proud of the community that always welcomes us back. It’s always heartwarming.”

She added: “We love coming back here but we want it to be fresh and interesting. That’s the challenge.

“We get the artists here to see Durham and they have 20 ideas straight away because it’s so inspiring and the architecture is amazing.”

Festival organisers have tried to reduced congestion in central areas this year by having it spread out further, including using the Botanic Garden, in South Road, for the first time since 2009 and using the Durham Miners’ Hall.

Durham County Council leader councillor Simon Henig said: “It’s fantastic we have the UK’s largest light festival, particularly seeing the way it’s developed since 2009.

“To be welcoming it for a fifth time is fantastic. We should be proud of how big this festival has become.”

In 2015, the festival attracted around 200,000 people and was estimated to be worth around £9.6million for Durham and the surrounding area.

Cllr Henig added: “As well as the tremendous economic benefits it puts a smile on people’s faces and there’s no price you can put on that.”

The festival will also feature four pieces selected through a commissioning scheme from about 120 applicants.

Amy Welch, a New College Durham student from Sacristion, was among those chosen and her piece, inspired by the architecture of Durham Cathedral, will go on display outside Durham Crown Court.

She said: “My late father was an artist so I’m used to being part of large commissions but this is the first time I’ve done something myself. It’s an odd mix of emotions. I’m really excited and enthusiastic about it but when you realise how many people are going to see it, it’s a scary thought.

“Light is a fascinating medium and it’s exciting to work with, It’s probably the most contemporary art form and one which is using technology to try different things.”

  • Tickets for this year’s event are available from today. The free tickets are for the peninsula area of the city and are aimed at reducing congestion between the peak times of 4.30pm and 7.30pm each day.
  • For tickets visit www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere