Lights Out On Lumiere: This year’s Lumiere is set to be the last

Hosted every two years and attracting millions of visitors, the Lumiere light festival will be held for the last time from November 13 to November 15, 2025.

The event, which has been held since 2009, will not return in 2027.

Starting out as a one-off event – but carrying on due to its success – Lumiere has since become an iconic part of Durham’s calendar, with a huge turnout from students and locals alike.

Durham residents told The Northern Echo they were “shocked” upon hearing yesterday’s decision.

However, this year’s showing promises a memorable send-off, featuring nearly 30 installations and its usual light show on Durham Cathedral.

According to The Northern Echo, chief executive officer of producer Artichoke, Helen Marriage, said: “The decision to end Lumiere in Durham has not been taken lightly.

“While this marks the end of Lumiere in Durham, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who visited, as well in the skills, confidence and ambition in everyone that has played a part in bringing it to life.

“When we first brought Lumiere to Durham in 2009, we didn’t know if it would work. Could we bring people together, outside, in November, to see a city transformed by light?

“Fifteen years on, Lumiere has become part of Durham’s story. It has sparked joy and conversation, from breathtaking projections on the Cathedral to quiet moments of light in hidden corners.

“As we return this November, Lumiere will be a love letter to Durham. A fitting farewell that reminds us of the power of public art to bring people together and imagine different futures.”