Overview

• The final edition runs November 13–15 from 5–10pm, with central-zone access managed by free tickets that carry a booking fee.
• Artichoke says maintaining the event’s free model has become increasingly difficult despite backing from Durham County Council, Arts Council England and the North East Combined Authority.
• Since 2009 the biennial festival has drawn more than 1.3 million visitors and generated about £43 million for the local economy.
• The farewell programme includes nearly 30 installations across the city with major projections at Durham Cathedral and works at sites such as Crook Hall and Hotel Indigo.
• Regional leaders praised its legacy and expressed regret over its closure, while many local businesses warned of lost footfall and the council signaled plans to explore new cultural offerings.