Primary school children from across County Durham are set to assemble an eye-catching diamond shaped design to form an integral part of a popular festival of light.

Their solar powered lanterns will form an important part of the diamond theme installation entitled Diamond Garden at this year’s Durham Lumiere.

The lantern was tasked to be constructed by the Lumiere producers, Artichoke, to Sedgefield-based technology firm, Kromek Group.

The Northern Echo: Scoolchildren with a prototype lantern for Lumiere during a recent visit from the team at Kromek

John Atkins, head of product design at Kromek said: “This project has been an incredibly rewarding experience which more importantly provides important life lessons for our younger generation.”

Artichoke, in collaboration with OASES, Durham University Science Engagement and the Durham Energy Institute, are working with primary schools across Durham and Bishop Auckland, educating young people on the importance of renewable energy, as well as teaching them about the evolution of energy.

Mr Atkins added: “By working in collaboration with Artichoke, this project proves that innovation, art, and education can come together to create something truly remarkable.”

Once completed, the diamond lanterns will be suspended around local artist Mick Stephenson’s large-scale diamond installation creating an illuminated diamond garden in a new commission for Lumiere.

CEO and Co-founder of Kromek, Dr Arnab Basu, said: “At Kromek, we believe in the power of innovation and education, and our partnership with Artichoke UK Trust for the Durham Lumiere festival perfectly embodies these principles.

“John’s knowledge and expertise have provided immense value to a project which has shown many children how powerful it can be when you combine art with technology.”

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Beth King, Artichoke head of learning and participation, praised Kromek’s contribution, saying: “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Kromek on Diamond Garden. They were up for the challenge and responded with keen interest and enthusiasm to be involved in a project that engages the Durham community.

"Their knowledge and confidence in helping create the diamond lanterns were essential and they’ve been an important link in tying the educational and creative elements to this exciting, new installation.”

For more information on Lumiere, visit: https://www.lumiere-festival.com/