Lights and Fireflight fantastic

folklore and contemporary dance, launched the new complex to spectacular effect.

The launch night marked the opening of the development in its entirety, which includes Dance City studios, Live Theatre rehearsal space and a heritage centre.

The Fireflight performance, which concluded with fireworks at the front of the station, has been months in the making and included hundreds of local people, who helped bring to life a reimagining of The Lambton Worm.

About 1,000 people attended the ticketed performance, with thousands more watching the fireworks.

So a spectacular night, and a reminder of the type of large-scale events the city could stage regularly if it wins the UK City of Culture 2021 bid. It’s finally beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Sunderland city centre.

Despite being bombarded by TV ads for the last few weeks, for many people it doesn’t feel like the festive season has got under way until the city’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Last night it was all systems glow in Keel Square as pop star Pixie Lott performed to a packed Keel Square before flicking the switch.

But that wasn’t the end of the Christmas lights fantastic.

The crowds quickly moved around the corner to take in the official opening ceremony of the new £3.5million Sunderland Fire Station arts hub.

An outdoor performance, which fused pyrotechnics with fire,