With the spectacular Lumiere festival set to return to Durham this autumn, the organisers are calling on local people to get involved.
This year will mark Lumiere’s 10th anniversary. The event, which is the largest light festival in the UK, sees Durham lit up with amazing art installations.
Lumiere’s commissioners Durham County Council and producers Artichoke are looking for volunteer Festival Makers to help run the event, which will return this November.
Their request coincides with Volunteers’ Week (Saturday 1st to Friday 7th June), which celebrates the incredible contributions made by volunteers in the UK.
Festival Makers should be friendly, over 18-years-old and passionate about Lumiere. The council would like to recruit a diverse range of volunteers with different skill sets and life experiences. Those new to volunteering are welcome as are those who have volunteered at festivals before.
Lumiere 2017 saw 300 people volunteer and the organisers hope the number will be even greater this year.
Durham County Council’s cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, Cllr Joy Allen, said, “This is an exciting opportunity, not only to be part of the electrifying energy we see every Lumiere, but to gain valuable experience and be part of something truly unique.”
“During Lumiere, from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th November, our Festival Makers will play a vital role in the running of the epic event. Responsibilities include welcoming visitors to the city, directing people to the different installations and being the face of the festival.”
Victoria Lee, a volunteer at Lumiere 2017, said, “I love chatting to people, so it was a pleasure to be involved. As volunteers we worked as a team and took turns carrying out tasks.”
“It’s a major event for Durham and it’s great to see so many people attending each time. Being able to volunteer means I have given something back to the community.”
If you’re interested in being a volunteer for Lumiere 2019, you can find out more and sign up at https://www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker.
The Festival Makers scheme is supported by Motorpoint, who are the official sponsors for Lumiere 2019.
(The featured image shows volunteer Festival Makers at Lumiere 2017.)
