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.

“We’ve had a good time anyway, there’s been a good atmosphere.”

Nick Kelly, of Deighton, attended with his family and said they were all disappointed.

“It’s no-one’s fault but they could have told us sooner. I’m not on Twitter so couldn’t find out any earlier and waited about a bit.”

One post on the Examiner’s Facebook site said: “Not surprised – they were still trying to set it up at 2 this afternoon.” Others questioned the organisation and said people should have been informed earlier.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council apologised to visitors and said: “We were told during the afternoon that there was a missing and vital piece of equipment for the giant aerial ball. We put the show back until 8.30pm but we couldn’t delay it later so had to cancel.

“We apologise to people but it was beyond our control.

“We thank those who stayed and saw everything else and hope people can come back.”

Tens of thousands of people are still expected to attend the remaining two days where other events included the art market at Huddersfield Art Gallery, bands, street performers and entertainers at The Piazza, Market Place, Byram Arcade, King Street and St Peter’s Gardens.

Admiring the Jigantics Giant Tulips were David and Theresa Thorpe, from Brighouse. David, 54, an engineer, said: “The whole town centre just looking amazing. The tulips, as well as the display at St Peter’s Gardens has been worth the bus fare.”

Ian Davies, wife Helen and their son Connor, of Slaithwaite, said they had enjoyed looking at the Yorkshire Light Garden.

Helen said: “We came down early to fit in everything we could before Connor got tired so it’s great there are different zones with something to see.

“The light garden looks amazing, I’d like something like it a home, not sure what the electric bill would be like though!”

Huddersfield University students Lizzy Hetherington and Anna Campbell were watching the bands on King Street. Lizzy, 21, said: “There’s a good music scene in Huddersfield anyway, but to have it open air is brilliant, they should organise things like this more often.”

Tonight, at 7.30pm and 9.30pm Argentinean Grupo Puja! will perform the headline show twice and there will be live music from 6.40pm until 10pm on King Street.

On Sunday the food market at the Market Place continues from noon-6pm, then the festival will close with a massive fireworks finale from 4.30pm, also at St George’s Square.

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