Families from across the district gazed up at the town hall in awe as Argentinean theatre company Grupo Puja! performed breathtaking stunts.
Suspended in a globe 200ft above the crowd, the world-renowned acrobats spun and twirled through the air to the sounds of live rock band Sweet Taste below.

A fantastic firework display that lit up the whole town hall brought Spirit 09 to a dramatic close, leaving the 4,000-strong crowd cheering and applauding.

Emma Puth, 35, from Heckmondwike, said: "I think it was absolutely fabulous. My husband came to last year's show and said we'd love it so we all came this year. The kids have loved it - 'It's gymnastics in the sky' they said."

Philip Downs, 39, from Thornhill Lees, said: "I thought it was brilliant. Very good. I only found out about it this afternoon. I was really amazed by it."

Gary Crossland, 44, from Staincliffe, said: "We've brought all the family and more. It's been different - really good. They want to have more of it. I think the fireworks were great but the aerial stunts were good too."

Speaking before Wednesday night's show, Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan promised more exciting events like Spirit, which will an annual show in Dewsbury.

He said they were expecting eight to ten thousand spectators at the council-funded event following the success of last year's Flames and Fountains.

"This is undoubtedly a big night for Dewsbury, and I'm thrilled at the prospect of thousands of local people turning out once again to share the excitement of their town centre brought alive by a spectacular event," he said.

"I'd like to think that the wonderful excitement and positivity we're expecting to ripple through tonight's crowd is something we can look forward to much more in the future here in Dewsbury."