About
Regular events for curious minds and creative hands every Thursday from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. A new weekly programme of events making Thursday evenings at The Light a regular fixture in Durham's cultural calendar.
The Salon - The North East's Creative Social: First Thursday every month - starting 3 September 2026.
What happens when creative people get in a room together? Ideas are shared. Collaborations begin. Projects take shape. Friendships form. Curated by Create North in partnership with The Light, The Salon takes inspiration from the great artistic salons of the past and reimagines them for the North East's creative community today. On the first Thursday of every month, artists, musicians, performers, writers, designers, filmmakers, producers and makers come together for an evening of conversation, ideas and connection in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Each salon features a guest creative, short talks, artist spotlights and plenty of time to meet new people and continue the conversation. Whether you're looking for collaborators, seeking feedback on a project or simply keen to spend time with fellow creatives, you'll find an open and supportive space.
Making History - History, Memory and Culture in Conversation: Second Thursday every month - starting 10 September 2026.
How do we encounter history? Through books and archives, films and photographs, paintings and memorials, stories and songs. Each offers a different perspective on the past - and each is shaped by human choices, ideas and creativity. Making History is a monthly series of talks, screenings, tours and discussions exploring the relationship between history, heritage, art and culture. Taking inspiration from We Are The Durhams, the series examines how the past is interpreted, represented and reimagined through literature, film, television, photography, public art, music and popular culture. Bringing together artists, historians, writers, filmmakers, researchers and cultural commentators, Making History explores how history is not only remembered but also made - shaped and reshaped through the stories, images and cultural objects that help us understand ourselves, our communities and our shared past. Making History: History, Memory and Culture in Conversation If Objects Could Talk on Thursday 10 September 2026 from 5.30pm to 7.00pm
The Light Lounge - Live Music and Drinks After Work: Third and Fourth Thursdays every month - starting 17 September 2026.
On the third and fourth Thursday of every month, The Light Café transforms into The Light Lounge. Join us after work for cocktails, conversation and live performances from some of the region's most exciting musicians and emerging artists.
I Don't Want to Grow Up - Creative Workshops for Adults Who Refuse to Grow Up: Third Thursday every month - starting 17 September 2026.
Inspired by Pablo Picasso's observation that "every child is an artist", I Don't Want to Grow Up invites adults to reconnect with their creative instincts. Through playful workshops, making sessions and artist-led activities, participants are encouraged to experiment, create and rediscover the joy of making. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time in years or simply looking for a fresh creative challenge, these relaxed and welcoming sessions are designed to help you make, play and explore without pressure. Glow in the dark abstract mobiles with artist Zara Worth on Thursday 17 September 2026 from 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Tomorrow's Library - Not Your Average Book Club: Fourth Thursday every month - starting 24 September 2026.
What do science fiction, artistic vision and technological innovation have in common? Imagination. Tomorrow's Library is a book club for curious minds, exploring the ideas, inventions and creative works that have shaped the way we understand the future. From visionary novels and speculative fiction to groundbreaking science, philosophy and cultural criticism, each session invites readers to discuss books that challenge assumptions, inspire new ways of thinking and expand our sense of what's possible.
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The Light, Durham CityBringing together art and science, The Light will be a welcoming and engaging space where visitors can explore internationally significant exhibitions; artists will be encouraged to create and collaborate; and communities can gather.
Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
