A giant snow globe, an immersive fire garden and a colour-changing waterfall

Lumiere 2011 re-imagined the possibilities of light art. 35 light installations transformed buildings, streets and bridges across the city. 

An estimated 150,000 people enjoyed an ambitious programme that transformed familiar landmarks. Peter Lewis’ Splash turned Kingsgate footbridge into a huge illuminated waterfall. Compagnie Carabosse captivated audiences bringing flaming mechanical structures and flickering lanterns made from miners vests to the inside of Durham Cathedral and its grounds, whilst at Market Place, Jacques Rival’s mischievous I Love Durham housed the Marquess of Londonderry statue in a giant snow globe.

Several installations were created with the local community. Hundreds of schoolchildren paraded through the city on opening night with lanterns made with Liverpool Lantern Company. Working with the women prisoners of HMP Low Newton and their children, Jana Matejkova’s Wish Comet displayed their hopes and dreams in the shape of a shooting star.

The BRILLIANT competition ran for the first time, inviting local people to apply with their ideas for light installations. Four winners were chosen, including Mick Stephenson’s Fusion made from hundreds of recycled plastic bottles. With audiences more than doubling following the first edition in 2009, the festival cemented its status in the North East.

Lumiere Durham 2011 was commissioned by Durham County Council and collaborated with light festivals in Poland and Estonia for Lux Scientia. The project was funded with support from the European Commission.