Durham City's biggest cultural event has been officially switched on.

Enlightenment: Durham International Light Festival is a visually stunning multicultural event which will illuminate the heart of the city for the next 24 hours.

It consists of four light-based art structures being installed on and under the city's bridges, together with a city centre light trail.

The lights will be switched on from 4pm today until Saturday at 10pm.
Glow sticks and further information can be collected from the town hall reception in the Market Place until 9pm.

Kate James, events co-ordinator at Durham City Vision, said: "The festival has been two years in the making and it is thrilling to see the work finally coming together the way we planned."

Clymene Christoforou, co-director of ISIS Arts, who commissioned the Indian artworks said: "We are delighted to have the artists here and to finally see the work installed. It's great to bring some of the colour and excitement of the streets of Bengal to the heart of Durham."

Alison Redshaw, director of Durham City Arts, added: "Enlightenment is a fantastic international programme bringing four world-class artists to Durham for the first time."

For more information about Enlightenment and the light trail, visit www.durhamenlightenment.co.uk