A MISSING part to an aerial ball meant the Festival of Light got off to a dark start last night.

The main show had to be cancelled after part of a giant wheel, which was to be suspended in the air, failed to arrive from Holland with the rest of performer Grupo Puja’s equipment.

Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo said it was disappointing, but he said many festival-goers seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Instead there will be two performances of the main show tonight at 7.30pm and again at 9pm.

Mr Lythgo said: “Of course we are slightly disappointed to have to call off the main show, but there were still many fantastic events for people to enjoy.

“There are 49 separate performances which make up the festival with everything from abseiling to ballet and other aerial performers.

“Today everything will run as planned and the main show will take place in St George’s Square.”

Kirklees events staff were informing people heading to the main show at the square that it had been called off and directing them to other events throughout the town.

There was a mixed reaction from festival-goers on the streets and people on social networking sites. While visitors were disappointed, many could make light of the situation, but those on Facebook and Twitter were not so complimentary.

Neil Edwards, wife Stephanie and sons, Max and Karl, attended.

Neil, of Marsden, said: “We were a bit gutted for the kids as we didn’t really look at what else was on beforehand, but we took them to Byram Arcade where there was a show and that was brilliant.

“We wouldn’t have seen that and the acts in the Market Place if the main show was still on as we’d be trying to get a front row space.

“We’ll bring them again to Saturday’s show – it beats staying in watching the TV and the night hasn’t been a let down.”

Other festival-goers agree. Joanne Clayton and boyfriend David Taylor also said they would return for today’s main show too. David said: “I’d rather they called it off than they go up there and someone fall off.