Lumiere 2025: Volunteers needed as festival returns to Durham City
Durham County Council has launched its call for volunteers to help bring Lumiere to life in 2025, as part of a series of events celebrating Volunteers' Week and the vital role volunteers play in supporting culture and community across the region.
Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial, will take place from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15.
Celebrating Volunteers Week at Locomotion in Shildon (Image: DCC)
Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors and support the smooth running of the festival, with a minimum commitment of one four-hour shift during the event.
Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: "Across the county, thousands of volunteers give up their time on a regular basis to help run cultural events and activities and work on projects which support the environment, as well as welcoming visitors to the county at our festivals and events.
"We are using Volunteers' Week to say thank you for the hours of time and effort our volunteers have given.
Celebrating Volunteers' Week with a walk (Image: DCC)
"They help us run some fantastic cultural events that enhance community wellbeing, as well as attracting visitors to the county and supporting the economy."
Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to June 8, has featured a programme of celebration events across County Durham, including walking and running events, a picnic, a buffet, and a gathering at Locomotion in Shildon.
Lynne Heasman, a long-time Lumiere volunteer, described her experiences as deeply rewarding.
Celebrating Volunteers' Week (Image: DCC)
Ms Heasman said: "It's a privilege to be involved in such an exciting and popular arts event and volunteering gets you involved right into the heart of it.
"I have even had my image projected onto the cathedral as part of an installation.
"I have always felt proud to set out on a shift in our beautiful city with other volunteers, many of whom return for every Lumiere.
"I've enjoyed assisting people to get the most out of the light installations and it's really satisfying to know I've contributed to someone's enjoyment.
"I have met so many interesting people from artists to visitors to all those involved in running such an incredible event and enjoyed every question and conversation.
"Being involved with Lumiere I feel valued and appreciated, especially by the Volunteer Durham team who take the utmost care of us and ensure that we enjoy the festival as much as the visitors – probably even more so.
"Volunteering at Lumiere is a lot of fun, very rewarding and I can't think of a better way to experience the festival."
The Lumiere Volunteer scheme is sponsored by MGL Group.
Gillian Reader, director of MGL Group, said: "MGL Group is delighted to sponsor the Lumiere Volunteers scheme, which provides a meaningful and exciting way for anyone to be a part of this iconic event.
"As a family business deeply rooted in Durham, MGL Group is proud to continue our support of Lumiere.
"We believe in fostering a vibrant community, and sponsoring this event goes beyond celebrating art and culture.
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"It supports our region's vitality and drives positive economic impact.
"We're honoured to be part of something that brings joy to residents and visitors."
Lumiere is created and produced by Artichoke, commissioned by Durham County Council, and supported by Arts Council England.
For more information about how to apply to volunteer at Lumiere, as well as explore other volunteering opportunities in the county, visit www.durham.gov.uk/volunteering
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