Circus performers, brass bands, and family activities will launch the opening of Durham’s newest cultural venue.
Formerly known as the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum, The Light will welcome the public on Saturday, August 22, with a weekend of events for all ages and a programme for the remainder of the school holidays.
The site previously housed the collection of historic DLI artefacts but closed in 2016 as part of cost-cutting measures after falling into disrepair.
Durham City’s new cultural venue The Light opens on Saturday 22 August.
(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
The museum's first exhibitions, We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition and Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, have inspired a launch programme filled with outdoor performances, artist workshops, immersive installations, and family activities.
Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light is the inaugural exhibition at The Light and runs until January 2027. Our Spectral Vision 216.
(Image: LIZ WEST)
Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration, and high street, said: "It’s not every day you get to launch a venue as special as The Light, which is why we are pulling out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable opening weekend.
"As the former home of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery, we know people will be excited to see how the building has been transformed.
On Saturday, Pittington Brass Band will perform outdoors, while The Cequin Circus will offer stilt walkers, fire-spinners, and dancers.
Sunday’s line-up includes music from North East singer-songwriters Steve Pledger, Ani Sandwith, Sam Slatcher, and Hels Pattison, as well as more circus performances.
There will also be science-themed lawn games, drop-in workshops, and the chance to contribute to an illuminated lantern sculpture.
(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
Workshops include geli printing, abstract watercolours, mixed media art, mosaics, and cyanotype printing.
The opening celebrations will continue into the final weeks of the summer holidays with daily art workshops for children aged eight and over, running from 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm.
The new venue will be a sister site to The Story at Mount Oswald, which provides the permanent home to the DLI collection.
Entry to The Light and the DLI exhibition is free.
Tickets for Victory Over the Sun are priced at £10 for adults and £2.50 for under-18s.
A season pass is available for £25.
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On the opening weekend, parking at The Light will be reserved for Blue Badge holders.
Free parking for other visitors will be available at the County Hall car park, with signposted pedestrian access to the venue.
Full programme details and ticket booking are available at www.thelightdurham.org.uk.