Lumiere light festival illuminates Durham city

Local and international artists will light up the city at this year's event

Durham's buildings and bridges were turned into illuminated works of art over four days as part of the city's Lumiere festival of light.

The festival started in 2009 and last year more than 75,000 people came to the city over three nights.

This year's programme included a "fire garden" at Durham Cathedral and a light waterfall off Kingsgate Bridge.

Art by more than 30 local, British and international artists will be scattered across the city.

The event's organiser, Artichoke, said artists had been "working with light in every conceivable way".

It promises "dramatic installations, vast animated projections and human rivers of light", as well as simpler illuminations.

A trail through Durham Cathedral and grounds will be lit by candles, lighted threads and lanterns with a large sphere hanging inside the building.

'Absolutely tremendous'

Artists Tracey Emin, Martin Creed, Claire Fontaine and Tim Etchells created a series of "neons" that will be placed around the city.

Durham's parks, gardens, riverbanks and rooftops will also be lit and there will also be a series of light sculptures of childlike figures and a huge Anglepoise lamp.

Lumiere 2011 was commissioned by Durham County Council and is being supported by Arts Council England. BBC Newcastle is the official event partner.

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said: "This historic city will provide a stunning backdrop for a spectacular event and we will see how culture can bring people together and, just as importantly, bring major financial benefits to the local economy."

He previously described the sound and light display at Durham Cathedral as "absolutely tremendous" and something which "made the hairs on your neck stand up".

The festival ran from Thursday until Sunday.