Last night, Durham Lumiere 2021 kicked off in style, as thousands flocked to the streets of the city to visit the amazing light installations. 

Across the exhbition, there are 37 show-stopping pieces that are split across the City of Durham, and, for the first time this year, there are several to see around the rest of County Durham. 

From works like 'Imminence', 'City of Light, City of Stories' and the centre piece of 'In Our Hearts Blind Hope' projected on Durham Cathedral, the crowds that travelled for Lumiere were thorough wowed. 

Here are our favourite pictures from the opening day of Lumiere 2021:

The Northern Echo: Crowds gather to watch 'In Our Hearts Blind Hope' at Durham Cathedral. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.Crowds gather to watch 'In Our Hearts Blind Hope' at Durham Cathedral. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: The 'Heron' installation wows passing crowds. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.The 'Heron' installation wows passing crowds. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: 'City of Light, City of Stories' was one of the thought-provoking pieces at Lumiere 2021. Photograph: Stuart Boulton. 'City of Light, City of Stories' was one of the thought-provoking pieces at Lumiere 2021. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

READ MORE The must-see light art installations of Durham Lumiere 2021

The Northern Echo: The 'Reconnect' piece certainly struck a chord with visitors after the last 18 months. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.The 'Reconnect' piece certainly struck a chord with visitors after the last 18 months. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: Durham Cathedral had a countdown clock to begin the illuminations show at the historic building. Photograph: Andrew White.Durham Cathedral had a countdown clock to begin the illuminations show at the historic building. Photograph: Andrew White.

The Northern Echo: The 'Colour By Light' exhibit got a lot of attention from the crowds of people at Lumiere. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.The 'Colour By Light' exhibit got a lot of attention from the crowds of people at Lumiere. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

READ MORE Durham Lumiere: Met Office reveals forecast for Durham City event

The Northern Echo: 'The Froggs' rock out through a musically-inspired light piece. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.'The Froggs' rock out through a musically-inspired light piece. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: All of the light installations were for all of the family but 'Imminence' proved popular with the younger audience. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.All of the light installations were for all of the family but 'Imminence' proved popular with the younger audience. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: Light-up birds donned the lampposts around Durham. Photograph: Andrew White. Light-up birds donned the lampposts around Durham. Photograph: Andrew White.

READ MORE MAP: Installations at Lumiere in Durham - and where to find them

The Northern Echo: 'Light Benches' brought a fun element to Lumiere - even when people wanted to sit down. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.'Light Benches' brought a fun element to Lumiere - even when people wanted to sit down. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: 'Halo' intrigued many people enjoying Lumiere on Thursday. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.'Halo' intrigued many people enjoying Lumiere on Thursday. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: 'Lampounette' seemed like something out of a futuristic world, but still managed to wow visitors. Photograph: Stuart Boulton. 'Lampounette' seemed like something out of a futuristic world, but still managed to wow visitors. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

READ MORE 5 Durham City businesses extending their hours for Lumiere 2021

The Northern Echo: 'Drop Scene' by Liz West provided a bright addition to Lumiere. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.'Drop Scene' by Liz West provided a bright addition to Lumiere. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: Visitors crossing over the bridge with the artwork 'Imminence' on. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.Visitors crossing over the bridge with the artwork 'Imminence' on. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

The Northern Echo: Little buildings made up the 'City of Light, City of Stories' installation. Photograph: Andrew White.Little buildings made up the 'City of Light, City of Stories' installation. Photograph: Andrew White.

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