THE spectacular festival of Light is to be the first major event in the revamped St George’s Square.
Festival of Light returns to the town next month, when French performers Transe Express – who wowed thousands in 2006 – return.
They will be performing their own unique blend of street theatre, live music and acrobatics.
The main show will be back in the square on Friday, December 4th at 7.30pm, after a year away due to renovations, and there will be a parade through the town centre.
A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Transe Express are well known for their aerial shows and this year’s performance won’t disappoint, with a big section of the acrobatics and music performed from 30ft in the air.
“Transe Express have performed in over 60 different countries and over five continents, including shows at Olympic opening ceremonies.
“The performers will process through the town centre, from New Street leading the crowds up to St George’s Square for the main part of the show”.
Clr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for Regeneration, said: “For the sixth year running, Festival of Light looks set to attract thousands into the town centre for a night to remember.
“People loved the show Transe Express performed in 2006, and have been asking ever since if we would bring it back again.
“We’ve chosen a new show by the company, which I’m told is even more thrilling than their previous performance, and we’re looking forward to seeing it against the beautiful backdrop of the newly renovated St George’s Square.
“This will be the first big event in the square since it was re-opened on October 22. It will be great to see the crowds enjoying the new open-plan space as well as enjoying the show.”
Council officials hope major events like the festival also help to raise the profile of the town by being recognised and promoted nationally.
This year’s Festival of Light has been recommended by The Guardian’s ‘Guide to the Night’ events guide, which focused on the very best outdoor events that take place across the country at night.
Festival of Light was first held in Huddersfield in 2004 and attracted an audience of 2,000 people.
Since then, the annual event has grown in popularity, but last year, despite drawing in an audience of 17,000 people over two nights, there were some complaints about the suitability of the venue, outside the bus station.
Transe Express have been performing unique and unusual street theatre since the 1980s.
The show that will be performed by the company in Huddersfield is called Lacher de Violons (Freeing the Violins).
