THE spectacular sights and sounds of Bollywood lit up the sky last night as crowds of people were treated to a captivating fusion of cultures.

Urban Britain was merged with Indian tradition to create a carnival atmosphere in Darlington, which hosted the Runga Rung show for the first time. Music, light, dancing and fireworks kicked proceedings off, as a procession of performers weaved their way 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.

The crowds of thousands stretched back from a giant stage in the Market Place to the indoor market, with youngsters clamouring for a better view from the steps.

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.

Although the London-based group has organised creative shows for 22 years, the support of Darlington schoolchildren proved invaluable.

Artist group Bravura joined forces with youngsters to create shadow and silhouette designs for the front of shops along the procession route.