Lights out for Lumiere

MUCH-LOVED LIGHT SHOWDRAWING TO A CLOSE AFTER 15 YEARS

- By BARBARA HODGSON

Durham Lumiere has revealed more new attractions for this year's festival, including spectacular light show Elysium Garden, by Jigantics, on Palace Green. Photo: Rami Saarikorpi

(Rami Saarikorpi)

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

The much-loved free light show spectacular - which, as reported, recently announced highlights of its upcoming November run - has now confirmed that 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 out 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.