With excitement for Lumiere building, volunteers are needed to help make the magic happen.
Lumiere returns to County Durham next month with its most ambitious and far-reaching programme to date.
Key to its success will be its team of friendly and enthusiastic volunteers known as the Lumiere Festival Makers.
The team plays a vital role in ensuring the festival runs smoothly, and there is still time to get involved.
Commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by Artichoke, Lumiere takes place from Thursday-Sunday, November 18-21.
Festival makers are needed throughout the event and everyone aged 18 and over is welcome, whether they are a seasoned pro or a first-time volunteer.
There are a range of roles, including:
• Welcoming visitors to Durham, helping them find their way around and providing advice on how to get the best Lumiere experience.
• Telling people about the installations.
• Helping to run the festival’s visitor hub.
• Sharing knowledge of the city.
Those with special skills or interests, such as being a qualified first aider, are also encouraged to get in touch.
Festival Makers will need to be available for at least two shifts of between four and seven and a half hours during the festival.
They will also need to attend two meetings beforehand to receive the information they will need to carry out their role safely and to complete a walkaround of the festival site.
There may also be some volunteer roles in the run up to the event, which will be arranged around availability and skills.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Lumiere would not have grown to become the internationally renowned festival it is today without the contribution of our amazing volunteers.
“This support is typical of our communities and is why we believe County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 is so strong.
“We know people volunteer for many reasons. It could be that they want to make new friends, learn new skills or enhance their CV.
“A lot of our Festival Makers get involved simply because they love Lumiere.
“Whatever the reason, their contribution is invaluable, and it has been wonderful to see the positive difference it has made to their lives too, with many going on to pursue careers in the arts.
“If you are interested, please get in touch and let’s light up County Durham together.”