This month plays host to one of the most beautiful experiences ever to grace Durham County with a dazzling light show. Running from
Solar Equation by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
2009 with increasing success, the 2011 festival had an approximate footfall of over 150,000 for this truly unique event. From November 14th to the 17th Durham will be playing host to the 2013 Lumiere Festival with luminescent artwork from a large range of artists from all over the world. The Lumiere has brought a significant sum of money into Durham and this year is looking to be better than ever.
One of the biggest attractions at the festival is the piece known as “Elephantastic”. This piece features a giant parading elephant which has been created and designed by French design house Top’la and is a spectacle to behold.
Another marquee piece on display for the first time in the UK is “Solar Equation” from Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Through the use of live mathematical equations, the artist creates an infinite number of solar animations on the largest spherical helium balloon in the world. This art becomes interactive the with the use of an app to allow viewers to manipulate the equations themselves.
Due to the interest in the festival, this year is set to have longer opening hours to allow for more people to see these unique art installations. Now open from 4pm until 11pm, you can go and see the exquisite light art across the city in this unique and amazing event. During the peak hours of 4:30pm until 7:30pm at the festival, a free ticket system will be in place to ensure that things run smoothly. You can get your tickets from Ticketmaster or from the Gala Theatre. Be sure not to miss this amazing spectacle of World art right in the city of Durham this month.
Visiting the Lumiere festival without a priority ticket:
To allow visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience, the festival organisers in consultation with Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary, have decided to implement a priority ticketing system solely for the central peninsula area this year during the busiest part of the evening, between 4.30 and 7.30pm.
The priority tickets have been very popular and all of these have now been issued. But everyone can still enjoy the whole festival with a little planning.
Only 11 of the event’s 27 installations are located within the restricted area, with some of the most exciting works situated outside the ticketed area. People without priority tickets are therefore strongly advised to visit the outer areas first, and come to the central area after 7.30pm.
Check the festival website for maps and suggested routes.
I was in Durham as well I never saw you! It was fantastic wasn’t it beftiuaul light displays although we didn’t get to see the cathedral as it was too busy we did however go down to the river and see the amazing waterfall! Well worth a trip next year.
I was in Durham as well I never saw you! It was fantastic wasn’t it beftiuaul light displays although we didn’t get to see the cathedral as it was too busy we did however go down to the river and see the amazing waterfall! Well worth a trip next year.