A HUGE illuminated waterfall cascading from an iconic 20th Century bridge will be one of the highlights of the Lumiere festival when it returns to the North-East next month, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Artist Peter Lewis’ spectacular creation, titled Splash, will see 1,000 gallons of water a minute descend from the towering Kingsgate Bridge, in Durham City, into the River Wear far below.

Lumiere organisers Artichoke disclosed the commission ahead of announcing the festival’s full programme later today.

Mr Lewis said: “What foresight Durham City has shown in featuring such a great event. It’s going to be brilliant.

The cathedral is a wonderful place.”

The Welsh-born 62-year-old, who lives on Vancouver Island, Canada, is best known for his Great Divide Waterfall, which was made in 1980 and drops 210ft from High Level Bridge, in Edmonton, Canada.

For Splash, water will be pumped out of the River Wear before plummeting back down at a pressure of 120 pounds a square inch, lit by various LED lights.

Mr Lewis said: “I wanted to create a splash. I wanted to inspire people of all ages.

“It’s a privilege to be doing something like this. Being an artist is such a blessing.”

Kingsgate Bridge, a Grade Ilisted structure, was designed by renowned Brutalist architect Sir Ove Arup and completed in 1963.

Despite having worked on the Sydney Opera House and The Barbican Centre, Sir Ove considered the bridge his finest work.

Lumiere will be held in Durham City from November 17 to 20. It will feature a neon piece by Tracey Emin, Ross Ashton’s Crown of Light – first seen at Lumiere 2009 when huge images from the Lindisfarne Gospels were projected onto Durham Cathedral, a lantern parade and much more.

Looking ahead, Mr Lewis said: “What a visual feast for the people of Durham. It’s like manna. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

The full Lumiere programme will be announced at Durham Town Hall this lunchtime.

The first Lumiere, in November 2009, attracted 75,000 visitors and generated £1.5m for Durham’s economy. It followed 2008’s Enlightenment festival. For more information, go to lumieredurham.

co.uk