THOUSANDS of people witnessed a captivating fusion of cultures when Darlington hosted the Runga Rung show for the first time.

Music, light, dancing and fireworks filled the night air last Thursday as a procession of performers paraded from the Arts Centre to the Market Place.

There, the show got into full swing, with a life-sized steel elephant ridden by singer Sangeeta entertaining the crowds, together with stilt walkers and carnival characters.

A colourful backdrop to events was provided by a mobile cinema screen showing Bollywood singers and musicians.

The show, staged by Emergency Exit Arts, brought together a combination of cultures, including Asian, Caribbean and Mediterranean. It came to a conclusion with the incredible sight of a human Catherine Wheel and glittering fireworks display.