Public turned on by Lumiere light festival in Durham

View more photos from opening night of Lumiere 2015

The spectacular light festival attracted tens of thousands of people to the streets of the city over six-and-a-half hours from 4.30pm – and there is still plenty of time to visit, as Lumiere continues until Sunday, November 15.

On the first night, there were no reports of installations failing, the crowds seemed to move freely during the city even during the ticketed peak-time hours, Storm Abigail largely failed to deliver the strong winds and heavy rain forecast and visitors stood in awe at the superb art on display.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration at Lumiere commissioners Durham County Council, said: “The buzz around the city is great.

“The projection onto the Cathedral (The World Machine) is absolutely stunning and the whale (Mysticete) has really captured people’s imagination. You only have to hear the oohs and aahs around Elvet Bridge to know how much people are enjoying that.

“It’s great to see so many businesses open – some out on the streets enticing people in. It’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves.”

The star attraction has proved to be Mysticete, a ghostlike projection of a whale frolicking and playing in the River Wear.

The World Machine, a huge projection telling the history of time on the front of Durham Cathedral, was also a big hit.

Peter Sedgwick, of Durham, said: “The World Machine against the Cathedral is just stunning.

“Durham City is a great setting for an event like this. It’s perfect.”

Philomena Lervin, 65, of Washington, Wearside, said she came to every Lumiere but this year was the best yet and she would be returning with friends on Sunday.

“I think it’s even better than last year. It’s magnificent,” she said.

Police recapture part of an exhibit known as Les Lumineoles after winds tore it free. Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

Mick Stephenson, creator of Litre of Light – a recreation of Durham Cathedral’s Rose Window in plastic bottles, said: “It’s been fantastic. Lighting plastic bottles isn’t easy. Lighting rubbish isn’t easy.

“We had really bad weather yesterday and the last frames didn’t go in until 4pm. It didn’t really finish until 8pm last night, trying different things. Then suddenly in worked. We’re really happy with the result.”

Access to the city was slow but steady. Sniperley and Belmont park-and-ride sites were full from mid-afternoon, although Belmont reopened later on.

The city stayed largely dry until shortly after 7pm, when heavy showers hit, sending festivalgoers running for the indoor attractions. There was one moment of drama when part of an installation known as Les Lumineoles was torn free by gusty winds and had to be recaptured by members of the local police force.

Lumiere has cost around £1.8m, of which £1.1m comes from the council and Arts Council England.

Lumiere continues each night until Sunday, from 4.30pm to 11pm. Tickets, which are required to access the central zone before 7.30pm, have all gone. However, tickets are not required for the centre after 7.30pm and many of the installations are outside of the ticketed area.

For more information, visit lumiere-festival.com