EXPECTATIONS were high – literally – as thousands flocked to St George’s Square to witness the daring tightrope act on the opening night of the Festival of Light.

The annual winter celebration continued to push the boundaries of art and entertainment with an action-packed schedule of street theatre and music.

Last year’s show featured a rock-fused ballet more than 300ft in the air and the year before, an awe-inspiring airborne Cirque De Soleil-style performance of giant angels in the snowy Huddersfield sky.

Last night, as the clock on Huddersfield Rail Station neared 7.45pm expectation built as anxious yet excited folk gathered to see this year’s dare devil performers high above town’s famous square.

After last year’s shaky start, when a key piece of equipment failed to arrive causing the cancellation of the opening evening’s main performance, last night’s performance went ahead without a hitch.

Click on the link below to view a picture gallery of some of the acts from Friday's Festival of Light

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Amazed spectators looked up in to the night sky as high-wire artists Jade Kindar-Martin and Didier Pasquette performed their Walk To The Stars show.

The fearless duo were blessed with dry weather as they confidently walked across a one inch thick tightrope more than 75ft above the square with no safety harnesses or nets.

With the conditions undoubtedly blustery many visitors feared the performance may be called off or that the two men would fall.

But their worst fears were unfounded as they walked from each end of the rope, meeting in the middle in front of the train station steps.

The crowd applauded as one balanced on one leg and held his balancing pole with just one arm.

And there were audible gasps of shock as the performers crossed paths, with one stepping over the other, who had sat down on the perilously high rope.

With the tricky manoeuvre complete the duo walked to the opposite end to which they had started, where a firework display marked the end of the skyline feat.

Speaking after the display, many revellers said they had loved this year’s performance.

Chris Strother from Golcar, who brought a large group of family members down for the occasion, said he was “absolutely amazed” the pair hadn’t fallen off.

He said: “I was watching their shirts blowing in the wind and I was worried for them.

“It’s absolutely crazy.

Click here to find out what's on at the Festival of Light over the weekend - plus road, closures, videos and more

“But it’s fantastic that a lot of people have come out to support it.”

One Huddersfield University student, who gave his name only as John, said: “I thought it was brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve been.

“It was a bit nail-biting when they sat down on the wire and had to step around each other.”

Megan Whitehead, from Dalton, said: “It was very exciting, the adrenaline rush was there.

“We were worried about them falling off.”

One lady from Almondbury, who did not want to be named, said: “I don’t think it was quite as vibrant as previous years, but no doubt they’re very skilful.

“But it was very nice, it was good to see so many people out enjoying themselves and lots of young people.”

Earlier in the evening, Huddersfield town centre was packed with revellers enjoying the host of street theatre, light shows, live music and stalls.

Dundu the giant illuminated puppet began proceedings at St George’s Square at 6pm.

Click here to find out what's on at the Festival of Light over the weekend - plus road, closures, videos and more

The 9ft tall creation mesmerised young and old alike as he strode around the square meeting people.

Trapeze-style performances from the Urban Angels, who swung from a specially constructed arch at the foot of the square, also attracted large crowds before and after the high wire event.