STARRY-eyed youngsters gazed around in wonder as they made their way through a Worcester park bathed in a cascade of lights.

Last night's After Dark in the Park parade at the King George V playing fields, Brickfields, brought around 1,500 people from across the city to the alternative Bonfire Night celebrations.

Kate Brookes, visual arts project officer at Worcester Arts Workshop, said a pyrotechnics display, giant illuminated lanterns and a performance by Elgar Technology College enthralled the audience.

"There were giant rockets, UFOs and aliens lining the park," she said.

"And we worked closely with Tolladine and King George V community centres in star lantern workshops to produce a field of stars."

Film artist Matt Dukes showed poetry clips by youngsters on a large video screen, Dance Fest performed, and Pepperpot Pyrotechnics put a powerful bit of magic into the night.

"We had a huge round of applause," said Miss Brookes. "Everyone was amazed because it was a bit different."