THOUSANDS are expected to pack Huddersfield this week for the stunning Festival of Light.

The three-day event, which starts on Friday, will see a fabulous aerial theatre group perform high above St George’s Square.

But the organisers have also widened out the scope of the festival to bring street theatre, artwork and music to many parts of the town centre.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “We are creating a magical and unique performance that has never been seen before in Huddersfield.

“Our headline show comes courtesy of internationally-renowned Grupo Puja! who will be performing their high-octane cosmic themed show K@osmos twice over the weekend, on Friday and Saturday.

“The Spanish/Argentinean troupe will be bringing a unique mix of live rock music and aerial acrobatics to St George’s Square.

“Established in Argentina, Puja! have been performing all over the world since 1998. Now based in Spain, the artists have performed more than 200 shows in over 20 countries”.

Their show lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes place entirely within the square, with much of the action on a huge sphere suspended high above the ground.

Organisers expect many thousands to be in the crowd but said everyone would have a great view.

Another aerial show takes place on both evenings at the rear of the Huddersfield Art Gallery.

Retouramont is a fusion of music and dance, played out high above the ground.

The show was put together by Fabrice Guillot, a professional rock climber.

And a third aerial show will take place in the Byram Arcade, which will also be the setting for jazz and dance bands and a vintage fair.

The Urban Angels will be suspended from the rafters of the Victorian centre.

Elsewhere attractions include the Yorkshire Light Garden, made up of giant illuminated trees and flowers, which will be in St Peter’s Gardens.