CHINESE lanterns and other artistic displays have been lighting up the dark nights in Darlington.
The first Darlington Lights festival got underway last night, coinciding with the Chinese New Year.
Chinese lanterns made by students at Darlington College are among the displays to mark the Year of the Tiger.
Also lighting up Post House Wynd are a selection of jumbo lampshades, made by artist Gillian Arnold, who has a shop in the street.
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Another installation is 'Our Darling Angel' wings in the Market Hall, where people can grab a selfie.
The five-day event is set to run until February 6, with more installations to be on display at St Cuthbert's Church and the Market Square later in the week.
Rab Moghal, who owns Light Owl, a lighting shop in Bakehouse Hill, is among the business owners to get involved.
He has decorated his shop window, which will be illuminated every night this week.
He said: "We were thrilled, not only to be invited, but also to have some funding provided to us by the Darlington events team so we could create a culturally themed window display celebrating both the Darlington Lights Festival as well as the Chinese New Year.
"It’s amazing to see so much effort being put into the town and we’re so thankful to be able to take part.”
Students from Darlington College have also been getting involved and their work is on display at Queen Street Shopping Centre.
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What's happening this week?
- The Celestial Garden of Sound by Piff Paff is being installed at St Cuthbert's Church on Friday.
People will be able to to enjoy the illumination between 4pm and 7pm on Friday and 12pm-6pm on Saturday.
- The Stars Come Out at Night, by Stellar Projects will be in the Market Square on Friday and Saturday.
It is open between 4pm and 7pm on Friday and 12pm-6pm on Saturday.
- A free lantern making workshop takes place in the Cornmill Centre on Saturday.
- Artwork by Darlington College students is also on display in Queen Street Shopping Centre until Sunday.
Read more: First Darlington Lights Festival to take place in February
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