VOLUNTEERS are needed to help this year's Lumiere to run smoothly.

Commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by Artichoke, Lumiere will feature 37 light art installations in Durham city and at six locations across County Durham from Thursday, November 18 to Sunday, November 21.

This year's event is the most ambitious and far-reaching programme to date and organisers say key to its success will be a team of friendly and enthusiastic volunteers known as the Lumiere Festival Makers.

Roles will include welcoming visitors to Durham and helping them find their way around and providing advice on how to get the best Lumiere experience, telling people about the installations, helping to run the festival’s visitor hub and sharing knowledge of the city.

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Those with special skills or interests, such as being a qualified first aider, are encouraged to get in touch but anyone over 18 is welcome to apply.

Festival Makers will need to be available for at least two shifts of between four and seven and a half hours during the festival. They will also need to attend two meetings beforehand to receive the information they will need to carry out their role safely and to complete a walk-around of the festival site.

There may also be some volunteer roles in the run up to the event, which will be arranged around availability and skills.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Lumiere would not have grown to become the internationally renowned festival it is today without the contribution of our amazing volunteers. This support is typical of our communities and is why we believe County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 is so strong.

“We know people volunteer for many reasons. It could be that they want to make new friends, learn new skills or enhance their CV. A lot of our Festival Makers get involved simply because they love Lumiere. Whatever the reason, their contribution is invaluable, and it has been wonderful to see the positive difference it has made to their lives too, with many going on to pursue careers in the arts.

“If you are interested, please get in touch and let’s light up County Durham together.”

To find out more and sign up visit durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker

The deadline for applications is Friday, November 5, but applications received after this will still be accommodated if possible.

Lumiere is also supported by Arts Council England, Durham University and a host of other sponsors.

The full programme was announced earlier this month and features 37 installations by international and local artists. There will also be six installations outside of Durham City for the first time. To find out more and to book free tickets, visit www.lumiere-festival.com/.

For the latest festival news, follow @artichoketrust on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

For more information about County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture, submit ideas and leave messages of support, visit www.durham2025.co.uk or follow the Durham 2025 social media accounts at www.facebook.com/Durham2025, www.twitter.com/durham_2025 or www.instagram.com/Durham2025_

 

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