AFTER a rocky start Huddersfield’s Festival of Light went out with a bang.
Fireworks lit up the town’s skyline last night as the finale of the three-day event, which showcased a majestic mix of rock music and internationally acclaimed daredevil airborne acrobatics, came to a close.
Crowds were not put off by the soggy start and returned in their droves last night, braving the wind and rain to watch the many acts.
Around 50,000 attended the festival – the biggest on record.
As street entertainment concluded, on-lookers made their way to St George’s Square as the Meltham and Meltham Mills Band stuck up traditional Christmas carols.
Sue Grant, 49, of Emley, had attended the event with her partner Alexander and his son, nine-year-old Harry, who said: “We have come for the fireworks but the street entertainers are really great. It’s a great event.” Richard Lucker and wife Penny also enjoyed the event with their 11-year-old daughter Isabelle and nine-year-old son Henry.
Richard, of Golcar, said: “We came a couple of years ago but it’s been fantastic this year.
“There’s a really positive atmosphere.”
Michelle Musgrave, 40, said: “This is the first time I have been to the event.
“We’ve been walking around and there is loads going on and great food stalls.”
The event was closed by Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan.
He said: “Many people told me that they chose to visit after seeing the BBC’s broadcast from the Light Gardens on Friday evening and, judging from the crowd in the Square for the firework finale this evening, I suspect many of them came back again today. This is great news for our town centre and our traders”.
