Durham’s newest cultural attraction, The Light, has opened its doors to the public after a busy launch weekend promising art, history and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Durham County Council venue officially opened during a programme held on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August. The celebrations included live music from Pittington Brass Band, acrobatics by Cequin Circus and performances from singer-songwriters from across the North East.
Families were also able to take part in science-inspired lawn games, while visitors inside the venue contributed to a collaborative illuminated sculpture inspired by moths drawn to light. A glowing creative playground gave people the chance to experiment with fluorescent materials, with their drawings and messages set to become part of an changing light installation.
New exhibitions at The Light
The opening weekend gave visitors their first opportunity to see The Light’s inaugural exhibitions: We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition and Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light.
Victory Over the Sun brings together work by artists who use light in striking ways, including Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson and Chila Burman. The exhibition explores light as both a subject and a material, raising questions about perception, nature and the cosmos. It is scheduled to run until Sunday 17 January.
The permanent We Are The Durhams exhibition focuses on the history of the Durham Light Infantry. Through images, sounds, hands-on activities and sensory experiences, it uses the venue’s military heritage to tell a human story about identity, belonging and community.
A new cultural destination for Durham
The Light was officially opened by Durham County Council Chairman Cllr Robbie Roddiss. He said the venue represented a significant investment in Durham’s cultural offering and had already received a positive response from visitors.
“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.”
The launch programme will continue through the final weeks of the summer holidays with artist-led workshops and creative activities inspired by light, colour, perception and imagination.
Details of The Light’s autumn and winter programme are due to be announced. Visitors can find more information at thelightdurham.org.uk and follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram for updates.