After a year of cultural events, the 2014 Festival of Light in Huddersfield was on a much smaller scale.
Instead of the three-day festival as in previous years, the main event was just a day of entertainment, staged by Kirklees Council.
But it didn’t stop tens of thousands of people from joining the fun.
Thousands of families packed St George’s Square for a Frozen singalong, music from Hade Edge Band and fireworks.
As some families left, teenagers and adults filed in to see Huddersfield band STEMS and DJ Yoda who provided the night-time entertainment.
And the Square was illuminated by James Bawn - the lighting expert extraordinaire behind the popular Tour de France illumination of Emley Moor Mast.
It was the week-long cultural events linked to the Tour de France that meant Kirklees Council reduced this year’s Festival of Light to just one day, with budget pressures behind the move.
For the first time it had a fringe event, dubbed the Huddersfield Hat, and it coincided with the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
But with the council facing £69m budget cuts in the next three years, the Festival’s future remains uncertain.
Of the thousands attending, however, many would like to see it return in some way.
Paul Hampshire, of Linthwaite, attended with his family and said: “If I’m honest I’ve never thought about how it’s paid for, it’s a great event and I’d be interested to know how much it cost, how many people came and then decide if it’s value for money.
“But it feels like we’re paying more council tax and getting less for it, so I think events like this are a welcome treat and it brings people and money into the town centre.”
John Fletcher, a retired teacher, said: “Perhaps the council needs to be more business savvy and get sponsorship to fund the event. I’d be disappointed if it didn’t return.”
Student Amy Geddings said: “It’s been a brilliant night and completely free; perhaps asking for a donation from everyone is an option.”
On social media the Huddersfield Civic Society tweeted: “@DJYodaUK at @FOLHudds tonight was brilliant and spectacular. Made the concept of events in St George’s Square so worthwhile.”
Linda @kermitellis tweeted: “Tonight @FOLHudds Great atmosphere @HadeEdgeBand = Fab Well done @KirkleesCouncil & all involved @Examiner”
And Anthony Penn wrote: “Had a good afternoon at #fol14 great atmosphere, good food and the kids loved the fireworks.”
Tanya Stagg wrote: “The white Peacocks were great. My kids loved them and a bigger highlight than the Frozen theme”.
Paul Hirst wrote: “Festival of light? There was lights shinning from buildings and on buildings which was great, everything else the noise from the stage was hurting the kids ears! And the litter was shocking! Won’t be going again - sorry!”
