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Derby's annual Feste kicked off in dramatic style with a stunning launch in the city centre.

Hundreds of families attended the event which began with five silver stilt-walking robots who menacingly bellowed out indistinguishable orders as they made their way from London Road to the Market Place - frightening several children on their way!

The next phase of the launch came on Cathedral Green with a performance by the Compagnie des Quidams et d'Inko called Reves d'Herbert (Herbert's Dream).

Four giant martians

This basically involved five tall ghostly white figures 'floating' into Cathedral Green before transforming into 4ft-high martians who proceeded to send a white orb high into the Derby sky.

The spectacle was completed with fireworks over the newly-installed Cathedral Bridge before spectators were invited to move to a street party in the Market Place.

Meanwhile the Feste continues through the weekend with workshops, performances and art displays before culminating in the Darley Park concert on Sunday evening.

For more information, visit the Derby Feste website (link on the right).

And to watch highlights from the spectacular launch, simply click the link at the top.