CITY Park was packed as fireworks and spectacular pyrotechnic effects brought an ancient Indian story to life in front of a delighted crowd.

Spellbound, performed by British outdoor performance specialists Walk the Plank, was inspired by the sacred story of Ramayana, which follows the destiny of the would-be King and Queen, Rama and Sita.

The thrilling tale of love, jealousy and betrayal was told through shadow theatre and choreographed Bharata Natyam traditional dancing, all shown on a giant screen and narrated by Bharti, who arrived in a procession of drummers sat atop a giant elephant.

The audience followed the story through forests to the golden city, encountering villainous characters such as the monkey king and Ravana, the ten-headed demon.

In a dramatic final battle scene, when Ravana was defeated and Sita saved from his evil clutches, City Park will filled with fireworks which drew gasps and applause from those who had gathered to watch the half-hour show on Saturday night.

Earlier in the evening, crowds had been entertained at the Bradford Council-run event by street theatre acts Spark!, a seven-piece drumming group who dazzled people with high-energy routines, and Swyron, an armoured, steam-billowing robot who interacted with revellers.

Paul Radcliffe, of Bingley, said: "I've had my grandson sat on my back throughout the whole thing, his favourite bit was the fireworks. It was a very entertaining show."

Connie Tu, from Fairweather Green, added: "We really enjoyed it. We try to come down to as many events in City Park as we can, they've set a really high standard and the children always love it."