Lumiere back to light up Durham in 2017

Lumiere, the UK's largest light festival will return to Durham next year for the fifth time, with the dates of the four-day spectacular announced today.

Durham City will once again be illuminated with a series of spectacular light installations from 16 - 19 November 2017.

The perfect time to visit...

Previous festivals have attracted visitors to Durham from across the UK and beyond, with more than 200,000 people descending on Durham City at the last event in 2015.

Could Lumiere 2017 spark your next short break?

Famous for its dominating cathedral and castle, Durham City’s ancient streets are full of things to discover, and it will be well worth extending your visit to take in some of the sights.

The majestic Durham Cathedral shines a light on the past with its magnificent Romanesque architecture and stunning collections, many of which can now be seen at Open Treasure, the Cathedral's new world-class exhibition experience, which opened to the public earlier in 2016.

You can explore the history of North Africa and Asia at Durham University’s Oriental Museum, enjoy a moment of tranquility at the city’s Botanic Garden, or escape to medieval Crook Hall and Gardens where you can enjoy a quintessentially English experience.

Away from the county's main attractions, the captivating city is packed with quaint coffee shops and tearooms to keep warm on those chilly November evenings, and wrap up warm and enjoy the amazing views on a romantic riverside walk.

Further afield, the county is full of things to see and do, with breathtaking countryside to be explored in the Durham Dales, a vale packed with award-winning attractions and a dramatic coastline.

Packed with hidden gems, natural wonders, ancient castles and stunning scenery, stay a little longer and make the most of your trip to Lumiere Durham..

Where to stay during Lumiere...

Accommodation gets booked up very quickly before the festival.  With so many visitors heading to the county, make sure you book as early as possible.

Here is a list of accommodation in Durham City, or you can explore all accommodation across the county here.

For further help and advice contact Durham’s official Visitor Contact Centre on 03000 26 26 26, email visitor@thisisdurham.com.

How to find out more?

Further information will be announced in due course. Make sure you're following us on Facebook and Twitter, and watch out for the #LumiereDurham hashtag.

Lumiere is commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by Artichoke.

In case you didn't make Lumiere in 2015 or want a little reminder here's a video of the highlights:

Photo by Matthew Andrews, Lumiere 2015.