This year's Durham Lumiere light festival will be the final edition, organisers have announced.
The biennial event will illuminate Durham for one last time from Thursday, November 13, to Saturday, November 15).
Lumiere began in 2009 and has attracted more than a million visitors to the city. It has also brought in £43 million for the local economy since it began.
Helen Marriage, chief executive officer of producer Artichoke, said: "The decision to end Lumiere in Durham has not been taken lightly.
"While this marks the end of Lumiere in Durham, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who visited, as well in the skills, confidence and ambition in everyone that has played a part in bringing it to life.
"When we first brought Lumiere to Durham in 2009, we didn’t know if it would work. Could we bring people together, outside, in November, to see a city transformed by light?
"Fifteen years on, Lumiere has become part of Durham’s story. It has sparked joy and conversation, from breathtaking projections on the Cathedral to quiet moments of light in hidden corners.
"As we return this November, Lumiere will be a love letter to Durham. A fitting farewell that reminds us of the power of public art to bring people together and imagine different futures."
Council leader Cllr Andrew Husband added: “County Durham is immensely proud to have hosted Lumiere since 2009.
Recommended Reading:
- Tickets for Lumiere in Durham NOW on sale to County Durham residents
- Everything to see at Durham Lumiere 2025 as tickets out soon
- Tickets for Lumiere in Durham NOW on sale to County Durham residents
"The festival has helped put our city and county on the world stage, attracted more than a million visitors, and created lasting opportunities for local people and businesses. While this will be the final Lumiere in County Durham, its impact will live on through the communities and young people it has inspired.
“This is by no means the end of light art or major events in County Durham. We recognise the power of culture to enhance the vibrancy of our towns and villages, promote growth and raise aspirations.
"This is an opportunity for us to take time to reassess how we present light art in County Durham and explore new ways to fire people’s imaginations and bring communities together. We thank Artichoke and all of our partners for their extraordinary vision and commitment, and we look forward to celebrating this last edition together.”
Share