BURY was awash with colour as thousands of people descended on the town centre for the annual Light Night.

Colourful displays were tonight projected onto prominent town centre landmarks, including shops at The Rock, Castle Armoury, Bury Art Museum, the Mill Gate, The Met and Bury Parish Church.

This year’s event was bee-themed, with projections on the Debenhams shop and on Castle Armoury captivating onlookers in particular, accompanied by a musical soundtrack.

Many town centre shops stayed open late to take advantage of the increased footfall.

As well as the colourful creations, the bee theme continued with workshops allowing youngsters to create bee inspired costumes, with poetry, storytelling and music also featuring.

There were art installations throughout the town, as well as a number of food stalls to keep everyone warm during the chilly evening.

Visitors who travelled in to the town centre for the evening said they enjoyed seeing Bury in a different light.

Loretta Walker, aged 55, from Walmersley said: “It is the first time I have been, and I was impressed with it.

“I walked all around the town centre and there was lots to see. It is a good event to get people out into the town centre.”

Husband and wife Paul and Vicky Nightingale-Day, from Prestwich, also said it was the first time they had been to the light night.

Mrs Nightingale-Day said: “I thought it was going to be bigger but it has been good.

“It is something a bit different, and it we have had a nice time watching all the buildings being lit up in such a unique way.”

There was also comedy, poems and songs at a special tent in Kay Gardens, a World War One remembrance event with readings and music from the Royal Regiment of Fusilier Band and Corps of Drums at Gallipoli Garden, hot air balloons and a UV typing art project at Bury Transport Museum.

The light inspired art is not just for one night only, with award-winning artist Liz West also creating a unique exhibition at Bury Art Museum, which will run until February next year.