THE Newcastle-Gateshead Winter Festival got off to a flaming start last night when a world renowned pyrotechnic company staged a surprising display.

The welcoming ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre marked the start of Groupe F's three-week residency in NewcastleGateshead as part of the Reveal programme.

Groupe F will deliver world-class fire and pyrotechnic shows throughout this month, designed to animate and illuminate Newcastle-Gateshead's iconic architecture.

Residents and visitors to the area can expect the unexpected - from sudden flashes of colour and light "revealing" some of the most famous buildings in the area and bursts of fire lighting up the skies to a flaming boat travelling up the River Tyne.

The displays, which are designed to be seen by people going about their everyday lives, will start this evening with the Night of Shooting Stars, when thousands of comets will be seen in the skies above Newcastle and Gateshead.

Eric Travers, one of Groupe F's artistic directors, said: "We're very much looking forward to lighting up the area over the next few weeks.

"The fantastic architecture provides us with the perfect backdrop for some spectacular flame, fire and pyrotechnic installations happening all over the city - surprising and intriguing people in NewcastleGateshead this winter."