Travelling to installations outside the city centre

For the first time, Bishop Auckland joins the Lumiere spectacle with four works that will interact with a façade, building or public space, transforming the heart of Bishop Auckland for four nights only.

Spotlight on Bishop Auckland

The historic town's Spanish Gallery is the UK's first gallery dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain.

Internationally acclaimed Spanish artist, Daniel Canogar unveils the treasures held inside with Amalgama Spanish Gallery (2023), a new commission for Lumiere 2023. Using works by El Greco, Murilo and Velázquez, Canogar will create a beautiful projection that will melt across the exterior of the building.

Nearby, Auckland Tower will be remade with The Drop (2023), a beacon of light and sound by UK lighting designer Phil Supple. Beams, patterns and lights choreographed to a catchy musical score will illuminate the full height of the tower and will be seen right across the town.

On the ground, Illumaphonium will entertain families with an interactive, multi-sensory musical sculpture that beams with ever-changing patterns of light and sound.

Accompanying it all are the exuberant hanging recycled installations of Flowers and Chandeliers, made locally with designs created by young people from Durham Sixth Form Centre and New College Durham.

Plan your trip

Details of the changes to access in Bishop Auckland between Thursday 16 and Sunday 19 November 4.00pm and 11.00pm are as follows:

North Bondgate will be closed from outside number 58, except for access for local residents.
Castle Chare will be closed, meaning there will be no access to Market Place.
Newgate Street and Fore Bondgate will remain open but there will not be access to Market Place.

Plan your journey using the Traveline Journey Planner.