BURNING boxing rings and flaming cocktails mixed with remarkable break-dancing provided a jaw-dropping and daring spectacle for viewers at the opening night of Derby's Festé.
Faust, performed by Southpaw Dance Company, kicked off the annual event on Cathedral Green last night.
The performance, based on a medieval legend of a man who sold his soul to the devil, used 1920s swing dance styles to showcase demons leading the main character into gambling, drinking and debauchery.
And the spectacular show was a particularly special evening for the dance company too, as the performance was the last of their UK tour.
Robby Graham, director and choreographer, said: "We really wanted to go out with a bang.
"We have only been a company since last summer so we were really excited about coming to Derby for the first time.
"With flaming cocktails and combustible parts, there was certainly an element of danger for the spectators.
"Derby is a beautiful place and the response we have had from people on Twitter has been crazy."
Following the performance, a colourful and musical parade took place through the Cathedral Quarter.
Stephen Munn, director at Déda, said the performance of Faust was "amazing" and was "packed with death-defying moves and fire".
He added: "The large crowd then processed through the streets of the Cathedral Quarter by the Spark Drummers lighting up the city in their illuminated costumes."
Festé will continue throughout the city today, with Spanish visual arts and dance company Voalá, headlining with their fantastic Muare show at Bass's Rec.
For more details visit, www.derbyfeste.com.
