By Gillian Reader, director of the MGL Group and a member of the Lumiere Development Board

AS a Durham-based company we are passionate about our city and county.

For many of our staff and customers, Durham is not only our place of work, it is where we live and raise our families. We are proud to support Lumiere and recognise its importance as an internationally renowned cultural event that generates millions of pounds for the economy.

Lumiere shows Durham is a heritage destination of course, but it is also a county of innovation, creativity and inclusion where people of all ages and backgrounds are valued.

It showcases the talented and forward-thinking companies we have here, along with the ambitious can-do attitude of Durham County Council and local residents. It sends out a clear message that Durham is very much open for business and is the ideal place to locate and grow a business.

For the benefits of the light festival go far beyond increased footfall and spend in shops and eateries; Lumiere excites and inspires people. The children who marvel at the spectacular light installations or take part in community workshops may very well become the designers, artists and engineers of the future. And why shouldn’t they, with so many North-East firms involved in creating the spectacle?

When I speak to people in Durham about Lumiere I can sense their enthusiasm and pride. I know our sponsorship of the event has created a sense of ownership among the MGL team, and I am always thrilled when colleagues and customers outside of the area ask me about Lumiere. I was at a meeting in London recently and I was speaking to a man about Lumiere. He said he had never been to Durham and made a note in his diary to visit in November 2019 to make sure he did not miss the festival. I imagine many other people who have experienced it have enjoyed similar conversations.

It is difficult to measure the impact of Lumiere because it is so far reaching and likely to continue being felt for years to come. It is often said that you cannot put a price on memories, and - through Lumiere- the council, Artichoke and their partners are providing an unforgettable experience for free. How do you measure the impact of a child who feels inspired to create their own mini light display or the family brought together through that shared experience?

I believe Lumiere’s greatest power is its ability to reach out to people across the social spectrum. It galvanises communities, bringing people together and encouraging businesses and the public and private sector to work towards a common goal. This is certainly the case on the Lumiere Development Board, with experts from a range of disciplines giving up their time to share skills and offer advice on how to make the festival even better.

Long may Lumiere continue to illuminate the lives of people in County Durham and beyond.