Bright start for Durham’s The Light

A new cultural attraction has opened its doors in Durham, bringing art, heritage and creativity together under one roof.

The Light, a new Durham County Council venue, welcomed its first visitors during an opening weekend packed with live performances, exhibitions and family activities.

Officially opened by council chairman Robbie Roddiss, the attraction aims to become a new regional destination for culture, creativity and community.

Celebrations included music from Pittington Brass Band, acrobatics by Cequin Circus and performances from North East singer-songwriters, alongside science-inspired activities for younger visitors.

Guests were also invited to contribute to a collaborative illuminated sculpture inspired by moths drawn to light and experiment with fluorescent materials in a creative playground.

The weekend provided the first opportunity to explore The Light’s inaugural exhibitions, including Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light.

Running until January 17, the exhibition brings together work by artists including Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson and Chila Burman, exploring how light can be used as both an artistic subject and material.

The venue is also home to permanent exhibition We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition.

Using images, sound, hands-on activities and sensory experiences, it draws on the building’s military heritage to explore the Durham Light Infantry through stories of identity, belonging and community.

The launch celebrations will continue during the final weeks of the summer holidays with artist-led workshops and activities exploring light, colour, perception and imagination.

Officials hope the programme will build on the opening weekend and establish The Light as a new cultural focal point for Durham.

Councillor Rodiss said: “This has been a long-anticipated day for Durham City and I’m pleased to say that the opening celebrations for The Light have been a huge success.

“The Light is a venue that not only honours the building’s past, but showcases its future as a centre for art, innovation, and history.

“This has been a significant investment into Durham’s cultural offering, and we are delighted to have already received an incredibly positive response from visitors.

“We can’t wait to welcome more people into The Light and inspire them through an amazing programme that is planned for the rest of the year and beyond.”

Details of The Light’s autumn/winter programme will be announced soon. 

For more information visit www.thelightdurham.org.uk. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram.

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