THIS year's Stockton International Riverside Festival (Sirf) came to a glorious close with a crescendo of music and fire filling the town’s Trinity Gardens.

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Thousands of people gathered last night (Sunday 2 August) to watch the grounds around Trinity Church transform into an immersive display of fire, light and music on a grand scale with large moving sculptures, fire flowers and swinging chairs before closing with a haunting combination of music and pyrotechnic effects.

And organisers have been delighted with the public's response to the four-day festival.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “Sirf has really put Stockton on the map for the variety and standard of extraordinary performances available right here on our doorstep.

“The weekend has been a fantastic success and has brought together communities from the borough and further afield to celebrate the town and the imaginative Instant Light story with such creativity.

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this year's Sirf and to the crowds of people who came from near and far to enjoy the shows."