THE thousands who packed the Market Square for the illumination of the Christmas lights had been promised an event to take the breath away - and they were not disappointed.

The spectacular display, on Thursday, November 23, had been preceded by a carol service in the cathedral and a procession through the streets that saw samba dancers and Santas marching side by side.

Led by stilt-walkers dressed as clowns and dancers, the procession worked its way through High Street, Minster Street and a cordoned-off Blue Boar Row, drawing out late night shoppers as it passed.

Its arrival in the Market Square, where almost ten thousand people had assembled expectantly, was greeted with huge cheers.

Then, accompanied by classical music, the Heliosphere - a giant balloon with an acrobat suspended beneath - was gently raised above the heads of the crowd for a spectacular aerial ballet.