Artichoke, the UK’s leading producer of ambitious public art, and Durham County Council have confirmed that Lumiere Durham 2025 would be its final edition. After sixteen years and 9 editions, more than 120,000 visitors turned out to see the lights of Lumiere before they went out over Durham, 13-15 November.
Lumiere 2025 was produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional support from Arts Council England and, for the first time in 2025, the North-East Combined Authority as regional commissioning partner.
Inspirational for Light Festivals, Artists and Creatives
As a member of our wider network of Northern Light Festivals, Artichoke has been a foundational part of our community since the beginning. Their support, knowledge, expertise, and sharing of best practice have been instrumental in the growth and success of light art and light festivals across our network.
Since its beginnings in 2009, Lumiere has transformed Durham’s streets, riverbanks, and landmark buildings. It has inspired countless other events across the UK and firmly established the city on the national and international culture map, demonstrating new ways in which the work of light artists can reach diverse audiences across the North of England and beyond.
Lumiere has become a regular site of pilgrimage for artists, art lovers and art professionals, local families, students and friendship groups over the years, and has become a popular fixture in the cultural calendar in the North-East. It has seen professional attendances from the likes of the International Light Organisation and our very own Light Up The North; many first dates and marriage proposals, friend re-unions, launched artistic careers and created memories that stay in the imagination forever.
Lumiere 2025 drew over 120,000 visitors across three nights, showcasing 30 artworks from artists representing 11 countries. This festival is expected to add up to £10 million to the total economic impact, which has reached £43 million since 2009. The event also demonstrated significant local engagement, involving 550 local people through the Lumiere Learning & Participation programme, and was supported by 116 local sponsors.
Lumiere’s Lasting Legacy
Lumiere’s impact on Durham has been far-reaching including:
- Welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors
- Contributing more than £43 million to the local economy
- Inspiring over 14,000 local residents and schoolchildren through Learning and Participation projects
- Engaging hundreds of local businesses, institutions, and supporters whose backing has been central to the festival’s success
This data from previous Lumiere Durham festivals was recently included in our 2023-2025 Impact Report, showcasing the positive impact light festivals have on artists, creatives, and audiences across the North of England.
A Note of Thanks
Our partners would like to thank Artichoke for their dedication and contribution to our network. For Artichoke, who created Lumiere and own the Lumiere trademark, this will be the last Lumiere event they produce in Durham. Durham County Council is considering how Lumiere’s legacy can inspire the next generation of cultural events in Durham, working with the North-East Mayor and Combined Authority. Lumiere set an exceptionally high bar for light art festivals in the UK and its legacy will continue to inspire us all.