Overview
- The biennial light festival will stage its final edition in Durham from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November 2025.
- Producer Artichoke said sustaining the free event now requires investment and long-term commitments that have become increasingly difficult to secure.
- The announcement prompted calls for a U-turn, with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness saying she hopes the decision can be reversed and confirming her office contributed just under £250,000 for 2025.
- Artichoke said there are no plans currently to move Lumiere elsewhere, while the council says it will reassess future light art and major events across the county.
- Since 2009 the festival has drawn about 1.3 million visitors and generated roughly £43m for the local economy, with local traders warning its loss will hit footfall and sales.