The Lumiere in Durham City

The Lumiere was recently held in Durham City Centre and met with enthusiastic crowds and tourists. This is an event that truly brings out Durham’s bright side, making the most of the early darkness that grips us at this time of year. Not many people outside of Durham seem to know about what happens, which is a shame because I believe they’re missing out. So thought I would write a little something to get some of you interested in time for the next one.

Every two years, in November, Durham City is lit up with unique and interesting light displays that are scattered throughout the whole of the town centre. This year they even stretch up as far as the county hall and other further afield areas. On seeing it myself, I came down towards North Road Roundabout from the station and saw the first display. A series of watering cans each lit up different colour, like something out of Roald Dahl story, were positioned above the flowers on the roundabout as if watering them. Titled ‘Guardian Angels’ this was a good opener I thought, and perhaps something overlooked by many viewers as it was a bit out of the way from a lot of the other displays. Proceeding down North Road, I noticed that the old miner’s building was covered with stick men made out of wires and lights, dancing and moving around. There were dozens all over the building and each were lit and dimmed in sync with brass sound track recorded by one of the Durham Brass bands, celebrating the rich heritage of the building. Perhaps this was somewhat dull if you caught it in between dances, but otherwise very animated and hard to tear yourself away from.

Something that really stood out for me though had to be the phone box full of fish. Yes, that’s right. In Durham Market Square the telephone box had been filled to the brim with water and made into a fish tank. As I approached I was convinced it would merely be some clever light projection but no, these fish were the real deal. Sticking on the animal approach, I’m guessing everyone in attendance noticed the giant elephant above Elvet Bridge? Sadly, this animal was actually a projection but was incredible nonetheless. Appearing to house in a castle turret erected at the top of the bridge, the elephant animation stamped its huge feet, swung its head and cried out in an elephant noise so loud it echoed down the river. You could even see its rear on one side and head on the other (just to make it that much more realistic).

Of course, no discussion of Durham City Centre is complete without at least mentioning the Cathedral. The queuing was a very cold and above all, long experience but the wait was worth it. When I entered the Cathedral I was greeted by lights dancing in circles just above the heads of the crowd, made to seem like fireflies dancing. Created by French partnership Roland Devocelle and Audrey Roche under the company name “Atsara”, this was truly amazing and something I thought was ingenious and very impressive. In terms of the cloister display of wedding dresses lit up with colour changing lights, I did not think it was for me, but noticed many photographers taking a strong interest in this display. It certainly isn’t worth forgetting. Leaving the Cathedral and entering the grounds, I was greeted with the offer of hot chocolate and a biscuit for £1. This is the best bargain I have encountered this year. A highlight of the night for me was that chocolate cookie.

Having attended the first Lumiere 4 years ago, I remembered it being a lot more sedate and quieter than the one just gone. The popularity of the event has had a lot to do with this, but I don’t know whether this is a good thing or not. On the one hand the event has more money and popularity, but I do feel that first event when the streets were so quiet and the displays a lot more subtle had a magical quality to it. But then again, the fish were really awesome.