Lumiere Festival to light up Derry

A collection of 12 neon dogs is to feature on the city walls

Buildings in Londonderry are to be transformed with neon lights in November as the Lumiere Festival aims to attract thousands of people.

Organisers say Lumiere will weave a nocturnal art trail through the city.

Digital mapping studio Novak will transform Austins department store with a 3D projection inspired by the tales of Jules Verne.

"A teenage dream's so hard to beat", a lyric by The Undertones, will feature on the BT building at Queens Quay.

The festival invites people to explore their urban landscape and use public space.

'Visual feast'

Lumiere will weave a trail of art and lights through the city, from the Fountain to the Bogside, and from Ebrington to the city walls.

Polish-American artist Krzystof Wodziczk, winner of the Hiroshima Art Prize for his contribution to peace, is also taking part in the festival.

Tim Etchells will also showcase a 23-metre long neon feature on the Rosemount shirt factory.

French sculptor Cédric Le Borgne has also prepared illuminated sculptures in human form that will fly around the Peace Bridge.

"Lumiere is about the unexpected," said Helen Marriage, artistic director.

"Buildings will change their shape and appearance; human forms will seem to fly through the air, parks and empty public spaces will become places where strange and delightful things happen.

Lumiere Festival organisers have been testing The Undertones lyric above the BT building near Queens Quay

"Lumiere is exciting because it invites you to do what you might not normally do. To wander about the city in the dark and feel okay about it; to discover things, feelings and places you didn't know existed. Lumiere is about changing the way people think about the city and what is possible."

Culture and Arts Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "As we enter the finale of the City of Culture's 2013 programme there are still many reasons for people to make the trip over the Glenshane to Derry.

"Over four days local and international artists, community groups and lighting designers will illuminate the city's walls, buildings and streets.

"In many ways Lumiere can be seen as a beacon for all those who have not yet made the journey to Derry.

"It promises to be a visual feast and I hope may open some eyes and shine a light on this wonderful city, its vibrancy and enthusiasm."