Curtain to come down on Lumiere light show

DURHAM Lumiere is drawing to a close after 15 years, it has been announced.

- BARBARA HODGSON

The much-loved free light show spectacular which, as reported, recently announced highlights of its upcoming November run has now confirmed this year's autumn event will be the last, saying the decision to end it "has not been taken lightly.

The news will disappoint its tens of thousands of fans who have packed into Durham each time the biennial after-dark festival has transformed the city streets and buildings, including Durham Cathedral, into a blaze of colour, with changing light installations and atmospheric soundscapes.

Lumiere, commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by outdoor arts specialist Artichoke, made its debut in 2009 and has so far attracted more than 1.3m visitors, boosting the local economy by around £43m.

It is classed as the UK's leading light show and has inspired many similar events across the nation.

The news was announced yesterday morning in a joint statement by Artichoke and the council, confirming Lumiere's November 13-15 run will bring the event to a close with another spectacular programme of international commissions, UK premieres and community involvement.