IT was a stunning display to light up a summer evening.

Holmfirth Arts Festival got off to a sparkling start at the weekend with the town’s very first illuminations.

Over 500 people visited Holmeside Gardens to see a stunning fire sculpture display which included trees dripping with two-metre long ‘light socks’, animated metal sculptures and hypnotic charcoal braziers in the shape of Olympic torches.

Burnlee resident Kay Whitefield, one of many who turned out for the show, said: “It was such a lovely surprise to come across the fire sculptures and the best use of the garden area I’ve ever seen.

“It was really intimate and perfect.”

The company responsible for the illuminations was Netherthong -based PaBoom and director Dave Chadwick said: “I’m always amazed how people turn up, start chatting to each other and it becomes a social event – an art event that you can actually talk over.”

Local youngsters also got into the spirit of the festival.

Acclaimed classical guitarist XueFei Yang shared her skills with students at Holmfirth High School .

XueFei met promising young high school musician Jacob Fullalove, 15, who is currently a member of the National Guitar Ensemble.

XueFei, who was the first ever guitarist in China to be awarded a full international scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London, listened to students play and performed a short recital.

Music teacher Jim Morgan said he was delighted XueFei took the time to visit and added: “She is an inspiration to teenagers having made her debut in Madrid at the age of 14”.

The Festival continues this week with Andy Kershaw's one-man show at the Picturedrome tonight.

Tomorrow The School of Night use ideas suggested by the audience, to create an impromptu Shakespearean masterpiece.

The Holmfirth Arts Festival is funded by Arts Council England, Kirklees Council, Holme Valley Parish Council and receives support from many local businesses and individuals.