Skip to main content

Lumiere Durham 2025

So we ventured out on a dark evening to brave Durham City not knowing what to expect for the final Lumiere. We jumped on the park and ride which was very well organised and headed into the city. After a short wait our first experience was the installation in the market place, 'Rhizome'. Not my personal favourite, but certainly built the expectation of what was to come next.

Rhizome, Market Place

It’s worth noting a curious road safety sign also in the market place titled ‘Entanglement is Extential’, which flashed a series of thought-provoking messages.

Entanglement is Extential

After speaking with a volunteer for advice on where to head next, we wandered up Saddler Street towards the Cathedral. At Palace Green, we were greeted by beautifully illuminated flowers glowing in the night.

Palace Green

Palace Green

Following the trail of illuminated flowers, we joined the queue into the Cathedral with great expectation — and we weren’t disappointed. The atmosphere was electric as people moved through the space, immersed in this year’s theme: ‘Everyone Ever’. The installation had real impact, with music resonating through the Nave and lighting transforming the space into something truly memorable.

Durham Cathedral Nave

We continued our journey into the Cloister, where the theme was ‘Solace’. Lamps of varying heights were arranged at the centre, casting a peaceful glow. I’ve always found this space deeply calming — a place I’ve returned to for quiet moments over many years.

Durham Cathedral Cloister

Continuing to follow the crowd, we ventured out of the Cathedral into ‘The Garden of Shadows’. This area was striking and dramatic, with powerful images projected onto the surrounding buildings.


Projection at The College

I have to say, the star of the show was the tree transforming into a leaf before our very eyes. See the video below.

The Garden of Shadows, The College

As they say on all great talent shows — the journey continues. Instead of turning left and doubling back, we took a right at North Bailey to explore ‘The Garden of Shadows Continue’.

The Garden of Shadows, North Bailey


The Garden of Shadows, North Bailey

There were some lovely surprises as we made our way toward the Riverside Walk, continuing the theme of The Garden of Shadows. Lights swirled around the trees, appearing to fly — someone in the crowd described them as ‘like fireflies.’ They were truly impressive, and we were able to walk right up close to them.

The Garden of Shadows, Riverside Walk

We walked across Prebend Bridge, where the theme shifted to The River. After all the recent rain, the Wear was flowing high and fast. Looking up, we were surprised to see fish floating among the trees — a surreal sight — and yes, we were able to walk right beneath them.

The River Theme, Riverside Walk

As the river meandered, glitter balls sparkled along its edge, scattering light across the path as gentle music played in the background.
Riverside Walk

We came full circle, ending our journey at The Gala with an installation titled ‘Point of (no) Return’.




A good time was had by all, and I think it’s fair to say our group agreed — the tree transforming into a leaf in The Garden of Shadows was a standout moment.

Unfortunately, we were disappointed not to make it to Locomotion in Shildon to see the Lumiere experience there. I’ve heard it was excellent!

To find out more about all things Lumiere 2025 visit https://www.lumiere-festival.com/

Popular posts

Images on this site and their use

DJI Mini 2 SE Thank you for taking the time to have a look at the photographs taken using a 249g drone or my S22 smart phone. I fly drones for fun, enjoying taking photographs and then having more fun publishing the images when home. Use of Images The images on this site are intended for everyone to enjoy and therefore free to download for non-commercial purposes. If you would like to mention me when using my images that would be great. Placing a link to my website www.andymitchell.uk does drive more traffic to it which is always appreciated.  You can leave a tip, which is not essential, but always gratefully received by clicking on or scanning the image below. Click here to find out more about the DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
See more »

Where Stone Meets Skin: The Poetry (and Occasional Comedy) of the Walls We Build

Richmond Castle Wall Last weekend we took another wander around Richmond in North Yorkshire — because when you find a place you like, you just keep going back until it practically starts greeting you by name. It was a proper leisurely stroll too, the kind where you nod knowingly at familiar streets as if you’re locals (even though you still check the map now and then, just to avoid confidently walking in the wrong direction). As we ambled along, the great outside walls of Richmond Castle appeared once again — standing there with the same impressive confidence as always, looking far more put together than we did after 45 minutes of “gentle walking”. The castle stood there with the quiet confidence of something that has survived far more than any of us would care to imagine. Weather-worn, dignified, and only slightly crumbling (in the charming way), its walls seemed to say, “I’ve been through storms, sieges, and coach-loads of tourists — what’s your excuse?” And, strangely enough, thos...
See more »

When Durham Reminds Us to Look Up

View of Elvet Bridge Here’s an iconic view of Durham City, looking out towards Elvet Bridge. We walk past it most days on the way to the car. It’s a beautiful sight during the day, but it becomes something truly special at night. It’s so easy to take for granted the beauty we see every day. As the saying goes, when it’s gone, it’s gone — and that’s when we miss it. In a world filled with so much brokenness, it’s easy to get pulled into the despair of it all and find ourselves asking, is there more than this? As for me, I’m choosing to look for the beauty in what’s right in front of me each day, and to focus a little less on the despair. Keep looking up!
See more »