Community groups have pleaded for continued funding to create new cultural events and build on the legacy of the popular Lumiere Festival.
The City of Durham Parish Council and Durham Business Improvement District (BID) have joined forces to call for funding originally allocated to Lumiere to be retained in Durham.
The two organisations have written jointly to the North East Combined Authority, requesting a meeting to explore how the festival’s legacy can be protected and its impact continued.
Lumiere has been praised for attracting 1.3 million visitors since it launched in 2009 and added more than £43 million to the local economy, boosting local businesses and showcasing the city’s creativity on a global stage.
This year’s event, hosted between November 13 and 15, will invite local and internationally-renowned artists to create light works that reimagine familiar buildings and public spaces.
But Artichoke, the event’s organisers, said it required “investment and commitment at a level that is increasingly difficult to secure”, and that 2025 would be the last.
The Parish Council and Durham BID say continued investment in Durham’s arts and culture offer is essential to maintain this momentum and described news of the festival’s cancellation as a “total shock.”
Councillor Susan Walker, chair of the City of Durham Parish Council, said: “Lumiere has played a defining role in shaping Durham’s cultural landscape. Whilst it is sad to see the festival come to an end, this is also an opportunity to build on its remarkable legacy. We want to ensure that the funding stays in Durham, supporting new and diverse cultural events that will keep our city vibrant, creative and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.”
Other events, including Durham Fringe Festival and the annual Brass Festival have been praised for attracting thousands of visitors to the city centre.
Paul Howard, Durham BID Manager, added: “Lumiere has shown the power of culture to transform our city and drive economic growth. By reinvesting the Lumiere funding locally, we can sustain this success and continue to deliver year-round cultural experiences that support our businesses and strengthen our community.”
North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Durham County Council officials have both shared hopes of maintaining funding for cultural events despite the decision to end Lumiere.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
