Lumiere, the UK’s light art biennial, is returning to Durham this November. The hugely popular event will illuminate people’s lives and the region’s largest electricity distribution network operator serving the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire is proud to power an artwork at this year’s event, bringing joy, magic and light to local communities.
Northern Powergrid has announced its sponsorship of a sustainability installation at the biennial light event taking place from Thursday to Saturday, 13-15 November. This powered partnership with Artichoke, the producer and curator of Lumiere, will see the network operator at the forefront of sustainability – empowering a greener energy future and journey to net zero.
Commissioned by Durham County Council, Lumiere Durham has attracted over 1.3 million people to the event, engaged with 14,000 community participants and boosted the local economy by more than £43m since it began in 2009.
Across three magical evenings this November, Durham City and surrounding areas will be transformed into an immersive art gallery – illuminating iconic locations of our medieval city.
Artichoke is committed to addressing climate injustice through their continued work with industry experts, A Greener Future. Every year, commissioned artists and contractors pledge to reduce their carbon impact while Artichoke works with organisations and individuals to ensure those involved are held accountable and sustainability is considered at all stages of the event process. Mains grid power is the first choice for powering installations, and where this is not possible, Artichoke aims to use battery power and bio-fuel generators as a last resort.
Jade Clarke, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Communications, said: “Lumiere Durham is an iconic light art event beloved by locals and attracts visitors from around the region, country and the globe, and we’re excited to get involved as a sponsor of a sustainability installation for the first time.
“Lumiere brings magic, joy and light to the local community while also empowering sustainability by working alongside a network of businesses, charities, organisations, schools and colleges. This aligns with our vision of implementing strategies and plans to build a greener energy future and we can’t wait to make a positive impact.
“The three-day event will also see our team being visible in Durham city centre, with our Customer Support Vehicle on site helping customers sign-up to our free Priority Services Membership. We’ll also be providing free phone charging facilities to visitors so you can continue snapping photos and videos of the amazing light installations.
“The power of art and culture is incredibly inspiring, and we’re proud to power Lumiere Durham 2025.”
Artichoke’s Development Director Ma’ayan Plane said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Northern Powergrid as a first-time sponsor of Lumiere. As a light art event that transforms public spaces, Lumiere is a perfect match for Northern Powergrid, whose work powers communities across the region. Lumiere offers the perfect platform to promote Northern Powergrid’s Priority Services Membership, which offers crucial support to those who need it most. Their support highlights the incredible commitment of the North East business community to championing the arts. Partnerships like this enable us to create extraordinary moments that bring people together and celebrate the vibrant cultural landscape of the North East.”
Lumiere Durham is the UK’s light art biennial and will take place from Thursday 13 November to Saturday 15 November 2025. Find out more at www.lumiere-festival.com.
Customers who live in Northern Powergrid’s operating area can speak to their teams at the event and take the opportunity to sign up to its free Priority Services Membership for extra help and support during a power cut. Want to sign up now? Join online at www.northernpowergrid.com/care or call free-phone 105.
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