Ahead of announcing full plans for its big 10th birthday celebrations this November, Durham Lumiere has unveiled that it will be bringing back a former festival highlight - guaranteeing people a whale of a time.
Organisers of the popular biennial light festival, which transforms the city landmarks and streets after dark with a trail of illuminated artworks, have offered a little teaser to fans as the clock ticks down to the November 14 launch.
While they intend to announce the full 2019 programme later this month, they confirm that a former crowd-pleaser called Mysticète - a 3D projection on the River Wear of a Baleen whale - will be back.
The sight of the whale - created by design agency Top’là and visual artist Catherine Garret - emerging out of the water, accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack, proved a hit with spectators when it made its debut at the 2015 festival.
And the Durham Lumiere team thought it a fitting choice to help mark this year's 10-year anniversary, particularly as it encompasses an environmental message which is in step with current concerns.
The idea is to bring back several returning artworks - top draws from previous festivals - to celebrate the special year and this time Mysticète will take up a new position north of Pennyferry Bridge.
Alongside old favourites will be new commissions and surprises created by a mix of UK and international artists.
The big plans of festival creators Artichoke will come together in November for a four-day run until November 17.
Fans always know to expect something special from Lumiere, which is commissioned by Durham County Council with supporters including from Arts Council England, and has grown to become the UK’s largest light festival, regularly attracting crowds of around 200,000 visitors.
From the huge impact made upon its launch back in 2009 - when spectators where wowed by the likes of Crown of Light: Ross Ashton's light projection on the exterior of Durham Cathedral - it has continued to impress, with other stand-out pieces over the years including the likes of a snowglobe encompassing the Marquess of Londonderry statue in Market Square and a flames and fire installation in the gardens of Durham Cathedral.
Watch this space for upcoming news about the full programme announcement.
