Why is 2025 the last Durham Lumiere festival? We chat to Helen Marraige.

Thursday, 13 November 2025 09:47

Sam chats to Helen Marriage, the director of Artichoke, to find out why Durham Lumiere 2025 will be the last one. Who made the decision that this is going to be the last.

Lumiere 2025 has kicks off tonight across both Durham City and Shildon. The bienial art festival has been a huge part of the Durham calendar since 2009, bringing together artists, technicians, art lovers, locals and visitors from County Durham and further afield.

Earlier this year it was announced that 2025 will be the final Durham Lumiere. In this interview with Helen, Sam asks why that decisions was made. Was it a decision by Artichoke, Durham County Council or other outside sources? We finally get an answer to "have Reform UK played a part in stopping Durham Lumiere?" Listen below.

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Why is 2025 the last Durham Lumiere festival? We chat to Helen Marraige.

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