A GIANT lobster, whale and fish floated through Huddersfield’s night sky to delighted crowds of people.

Thousands of people watched French street theatre company Plasticens Volants, who have performed at Olympic Games ceremonies created a riot of light, fire and sound through the town centre streets, with the spectacular creatures.

The show, featuring the colourful giant sea creatures weaved its way from St Peter’s Gardens to St Georges’s Square, telling the enchanting story of “The Pearl”. And onlookers followed the amazing display as it weaved its way through Huddersfield’s street. On reaching its destination a fantastic finale of dramatic fireworks lit up Huddersfield Railway Station and the surrounding area.

Caroline Taylor, of Linthwaite was there with her 11-year-old son Mark. “It’s fantastic,” she said. “Really good, we’ve really enjoyed it.”

Karen Rawlinson, of Almondbury was with a group who had come into town for the show including her six-year-old son Harry and his friend seven-year-old Joshua Mellor.

“We went to a similar event in Leeds last year, but this has been brilliant especially when it reached the central point in St George’s Square.”

One of Karen’s party was in a wheelchair and she commented that for people with disabilities it was difficult to follow the procession around the streets.

Families from throughout Huddersfield and Kirklees enjoyed the event, now in it fourth year.

Plasticiens Volants have had massive acclaim throughout the world with their shows. They have attended major festivals and held shows in major cities across five continents.

The Festival of Light was the culmination of the two-week Nights of Fire and Light event organised by Kirklees Council in the run-up to Christmas. It has also included a firework spectacular in Greenhead Park on October 30, and the Victoria Tower on Castle Hill being bathed in colour.

The Christmas Lights switch-on the town centre was on Thursday evening, the same day when the popular Piazza ice-rink also opened. It also marked the start of Huddersfield’s Contemporary Music Festival.

Clr Ken Sims, the cabinet member with responsibility for Regeneration at Kirklees Council said: “The Festival of Light has become a showcase event for Huddersfield with crowd numbers growing each year. And its not just the general public who are attending. Every year we have more and more interest from developers, investors and business people, keen to come along and see our town at its creative best.

Clr Liz Smaje, Cabinet member for Leisure and Neighbourhood Services at Kirklees Council said: “The council has put together a wonderful programme of events leading up to Christmas. I hope many people have enjoyed them.”