Produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, Lumiere returns this November for its ninth edition, transforming Durham into an illuminated city-wide art gallery.
Taking place over three evenings, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November, audiences will encounter a dazzling line-up of installations and experiences, ranging from large-scale spectaculars to intimate moments of reflection.
Since its beginnings in 2009, Lumiere has become recognised internationally as the UK’s light art biennial, and has inspired light shows and festivals up and down the UK. Over the years, it has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors and delivered £43m of economic impact. Its significance extends across the global light art community. Lumiere is made possible by funding from Durham County Council and Arts Council England, who are joined for the first time by regional commissioning partner North East Combined Authority.
Lumiere’s success depends on the backing of Durham’s visionary businesses and individuals, including major partners Durham University and Point North. This year, over 100 local supporters have come together to make Lumiere possible: from long-standing partners like MGL Group who champion the volunteers, to new sponsors such as Prima Cheese who collaborated with us on the Prima Commission. Their commitment helps bring Lumiere to life and leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration and opportunity for County Durham and beyond.
For 2025, the programme Lumiere once again brings together world-renowned artists, UK debuts and commissions alongside community-created projects that celebrate the creativity of County Durham’s people. From the monumental to the meditative, the 2025 programme reflects Lumiere’s power to enchant and inspire.
Spotlight on Shildon
This year’s “Spotlight on Durham” falls on Shildon, currently celebrating the 200th anniversary as home of the first railway station and passenger service. A trio of installations will bring the Lumiere magic to Locomotion, including community-created lantern installation, Glimmer, and two new commissions that reflect on Shildon’s special history.
Newcastle-based NOVAK (UK) return to Lumiere with Alight, a celebration of 200 years of railway heritage through a spectacular projection-mapped artwork at Locomotion, telling a story of connection and imagination inspired by the world’s first railways. Also at Locomotion, Iron Horse Junction by Hannah Fox (UK), created together with Durham Academy students, offers a whimsical signal-box journey through 200 years of railway history, blending light, sound and original heritage objects.
Lumiere tickets
Lumiere in Durham City and Shildon runs from 17:00-22:00 each night from Thursday 13 November to Saturday 15 November. Tickets will be required to enter the central controlled zone in Durham City throughout each evening and should be booked in advance. More than half the installations are outside the ticketed zone and can be visited without a ticket. Tickets are not required for Shildon at any time.
County Durham residents will be able to book free tickets (£1.50 booking fee applies) from 10:00, Tuesday, 30 September. The general release to the wider public will be from 10:00, Wednesday 1 October.
Ahead of tickets going live, visitors are advised to register for an account in advance via the Lumiere website, to enjoy a faster booking process.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
