Stunning pics of ballet stars ahead of tonight's gala in Hull

An audience of 1,200 people - and 5,000 in Queens Gardens outside - will watch the special performance presented by The Royal Ballet.

Among the stars appearing is Xander Parish, the first Briton to be a principal dancer at Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, and pictured here, in dress reheasal ahead of tonight's performance.

Xander, from North Ferriby, near Hull was talent-spotted by the St Petersburg company seven years ago. His sister Demelza, a first artist of The Royal Ballet, is also performing tonight in a world premiere of Heart's Furies.

The show, to celebrate the reopening of the theatre after a £16m upgrade, has been one of the most keenly awaited in Hull's City of Culture year.

The event - a blend of excerpts from classics like Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet and contemporary works - has been curated by The Royal Ballet's Kevin O'Hare - who grew up in Hull over a pub.

Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017, said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming The Royal Ballet for an extraordinary day of dance.

"Opening the New kicks off an exciting next chapter for Hull New Theatre and the city's future as a centre for culture and creativity.

"With some of the world's finest ballet stars taking part, several with roots in Hull, and 100 aspiring dancers from across the city also performing on the day, it underlines its reputation for this major artform. "