Lumiere brings multi-million boost to Durham economy

The UK's largest light festival has drawn to a close in Durham with those behind it saying this year's event has exceeded all expectations.

Illuminations and installations have lit up numerous venues across the city during the four day Lumiere Festival.

Durham County Council says figures from the first three nights show more people have visited the ticketed venues than during the same period two years ago.

We know we have had visitors from right across the globe here to Durham. So far 175,000 people have gone through the gates up into the Cathedral and the Castle and the Market Place, already up on last time two years ago. It is great to see local businesses, cafes, restaurants, bars doing really, really well."

I have had people responding from India, the US, who have seen images via the internet and via the press, so it really places Durham on the map."