9 August 2012 Last updated at 14:31

In pictures: Speed of Light opens Edinburgh International Festival

Runners and walkers dressed in light emitting suits and holding light sticks make their way up Arthur's Seat as part of a dress rehearsal of a mass participation public art piece called "Speed of Light"

A spectacular light show in which 200 runners take to Arthur's Seat in the dark dressed in special LED suits is the opening event of the Edinburgh International Festival

The volunteer runners, who are led through choreographed routines by trained team leaders, wear specially-designed light suits which can be controlled remotely

Speed of Light will be performed each night for three weeks. The performance takes place on Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano located close to Edinburgh city centre.

About 800 audience members per night will be led on to the hill to watch the performance. They will carry specially-designed light sticks.

Organisers said the spectacle, which opens to the public on Thursday night, will be seen from a distance but is also very detailed close-up.

NVA's creative director Angus Farquhar said he wanted to "re-invoke the Olympic spirit of co-operation as well as competition".

Mr Farquhar said Arthur's Seat was one of Scotland "most iconic landscapes".

Edinburgh, Fife & East Scotland

In pictures: Speed of Light opens Edinburgh International Festival

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