Cantabrians last night revelled in reclaiming their city centre with the opening of a 10-day light festival.
The world's first Festival of Transitional Architecture launched in the quake-hit city of Christchurch - laser beams, projectors and balloons were used by architecture students from around the country to create a city made of light for one night.
Thousands of residents turned out for the LUXCITY event, which brought life back into the red zone among the rubble and empty sites on Gloucester St between Manchester and Colombo streets and down Manchester St to Worcester St.
Many took to twitter to celebrate the "magic moments" for the city.
Once woman described it as "understated and beautiful", while another said the installations were "awe-inspiring".
