A GIANT snowdome engulfing a landmark statue and a huge illuminated sphere hanging inside Durham Cathedral will be among the highlights of a spectacular North-East light festival.

Jacques Rival’s I Love Durham snowdome around the Lord Londonderry statue, in Durham Market Place, and Compagnie Carabosse’s “Spirit” creation will be part of Lumiere 2011, in Durham City, from November 17 to 20.

Producers Artichoke unveiled the festival programme at Durham’s Radisson Blu Hotel yesterday.

Video of the spectacular art light show installations around Durham in 2009.

They hope Lumiere 2011 will be bigger and better than Lumiere 2009, which attracted 75,000 visitors and generated £1.5m for Durham’s economy, with:

• Thirty-five installations – up from 22 in 2009.

• Contributions from more than 30 international and local artists, including Tracey Emin.

• Greater involvement with local businesses such as restaurants and cafes.

• Artwork across a wider area, including the peninsula, Elvet, Walkergate and Wharton Park.

Festival programmer Helen Marriage said: “After months of research and decision-making, it is a wonderful feeling to be sharing the news of the line-up of absolutely extraordinary artists that we will be working with for this year’s Lumiere festival.

“From the simplest intervention to the most startling and spectacular works, each piece will make a lasting mark on this beautiful city, and on each and every one of us.”

Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “The star quality of the line-up for Lumiere 2011 underlines Durham’s position as a major cultural destination. This historic city will provide a stunning backdrop for a spectacular event and we will see how culture can bring people together and, just as importantly, bring major financial benefits.”

The festival will boast four major installations – the snowdome, Spirit, Ross Ashton’s Crown of Light – first seen at Lumiere 2009 when huge images from the Lindisfarne Gospels were projected onto Durham Cathedral – and Peter Lewis’ Splash, a massive man-made, illuminated waterfall from Kingsgate Bridge.

There will also be talks, workshops and a children’s lantern parade.

Installations can be viewed from 6pm to 11pm, from November 17 to 20, except those inside Durham Cathedral, which will be closed during Evensong. Visit lumieredurham.co.uk