A SERIES of winter wonderland festivals are planned for Huddersfield.

And they will start with a bang as the Fire in the Sky spectacular illuminates the town.

The Nights of Fire and Light will build seasonal spirits as the dark nights draw in and communities get together to celebrate the festivals of Halloween, Bonfire Night and then Christmas.

The popular ice-rink and continental market will also return to the town for the festive season after last year’s success.

Clr Liz Smaje, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Neighbourhood Services at Kirklees Council, said: “Working with our partners, Kirklees Council have put together a wonderful programme of events leading up to Christmas.

“I hope that as many people as possible will come and enjoy these events.”

The excitement begins with the Fire in the Sky extravaganza – a huge fireworks show at Greenhead Park on Tuesday, October 30.

Visitors will be entertained with music and an amazing performance from fire-starters Scorch, Axis and The Gandini Jugglers from Cirque Bijou.

The fireworks finale will be followed by the illumination of the historic Victoria Tower on Castle Hill, which will act as a beacon throughout the festive season.

The big Christmas Lights switch-on at the Piazza Shopping Centre will take place on Thursday, November 15, with local choirs singing Christmas carols and music by local bands and artists.

Families will be able to enjoy the return of the popular ice-rink and a continental market as Father Christmas and special guests light-up the town and start the countdown to Christmas.

The Nights of Fire and Light builds to a dramatic climax on Friday, November 16 with The Festival of Light – a spectacular show by critically renowned French artists Plasticiens Volants.

Inflatable sea creatures will descend on the town to tell a story entitled The Pearl with a riot of light, fire and sound as the street procession makes its way from St Peter’s Gardens to St George’s Square for the fantastic finale.

The end of the Nights of Fire and Lights coincides with the start of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival on November 16.

Opening with Janek Schaefer’s Extended Play exhibition at Huddersfield Art Gallery, the free event will start at 4pm and will be followed by further productions and performances.

Organisers hope the series of events will get the community in the festive spirit.