News Beat
Plea to fill gap of Lumiere as Durham festival comes to an end
City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness have doubled down on their calls to keep the legacy of the light biennial going, which this year attracted 120,000 visitors.
From November 13 to 15, Lumiere’s final festival saw everything from sprouting flowers on the grounds of Durham Cathedral to floating lanterns, a month after organisers revealed it would be its last edition after 16 years.
But the future of light festivals and events in the county may still be bright – as Artichoke, the team behind Lumiere, say they are willing to work with Durham County Council on future projects.
Paying tribute to the “huge success” of Lumiere, MP Mary Kelly Foy said: “This year’s event is of course bittersweet, with it being the last time this festival of light will take place in Durham.
“Without doubt, Lumiere has raised the profile of the city both nationally and internationally and become a hugely important part of our cultural calendar.
“We simply cannot allow the huge gap left by Lumiere empty, and I was pleased to not only hear that Artichoke, the organisers of Lumiere, are happy to return to Durham, but that Durham County Council have expressed an interest in working with them in the future.
“I have already written to the local authority to highlight the importance of Lumiere, and how we cannot let the legacy of Durham’s County of Culture bid to be a reduced cultural offering, however the ball is in their court to ensure that a new event can take it’s place.
“I would be happy to work with all parties to ensure that whatever takes the place of Lumiere has the same impact as what has gone before.”
Last month, the decision to end the festival led to an outcry from both “gutted” businesses, residents and politicians including Mayor Kim McGuiness who previously said she was “disappointed” her office was not consulted before the cancellation.
Now, she has vowed to work with those hoping to “reverse” the cut of Lumiere.
Ms McGuinness said: “This year’s Lumiere was as phenomenal as ever, despite the weather’s best efforts to dampen it!
“It’s an event that showcases our local pride on the national stage -we need more of these not fewer.
“I am proudly standing alongside all of those who have asked me to intervene, and my hope now is that we can reverse this cut so major cultural events remain at the heart of Durham.”
The festival has added £43 million to the region’s economy over the years – which has showcased art from across the world.
However, while Lumiere may be over, both Artichoke and the council added they were eager to work together to dream up “new projects” – which may or may not spark the return of Lumiere.
Helen Marriage, artistic director of Artichoke said: “Durham is a place I care about deeply and I’m proud that Lumiere has become part of its story by illuminating its streets and its spirit.
“What began here so many years ago has resonated far beyond the historic streets of Durham and has inspired light festivals around the world.
“Durham County Council have expressed a desire to continue working with us at Artichoke. We will always be happy to consider any serious proposal they may wish to make about new projects in the future.”
Cllr Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, added: “Lumiere has once again brought dazzling light art, thousands of visitors and an amazing atmosphere to the streets of Durham City.
“It’s been a fantastic three days, which have seen people of all ages travelling from near and far to enjoy a truly wonderful experience.
“Lumiere has shown that the power and potential of light art is undeniable and we will now be taking the opportunity to reassess our events programme and how we present light art in the future.”
