Stacked by their thousands, the tyres in the tower cast a plume of fire - and thick, toxic smoke caused by the burning plastic - high into the night sky.
Scroll down for more ...
A young Protestant brandishes a flag before the flames early this morning
The combination of rain, fire and fumes made for grim but spectacular viewing
A man dressed as King William of Orange cavorts at the bonfire
Some locals in Ballycraigy, County Antrim, said the man-made mountain of tyres and pallets was a major risk to health and should be dismantled. They said it could collapse dangerously and give off toxic fumes when on fire.
No one suffered any immediate injuries from the massive bonfire last night.
Safety barriers were erected around the pyre, built with the help of wooden pallets. The pyramid was topped by an Irish tricolor.
Bonfire committee workers had previously removed tyres from seven of the nine bonfires in the area on safety grounds.
Scroll down for more ...
A couple with their baby take their evening stroll past the leaping flames and toxic smoke
Three young people stand rather alarmingly close as the pyre collapses in on itself in the early hours of this morning
The way it was: The pyre of tyres balances precariously close to buildings on the day before it was set alight
Cannes Film Festival - in pictures
Biggest ever image of the Queen, and she also appears made out of stamps, cheese and BEER
-
No end to Tube nightmare as commuters warned of MORE chaos tonight
-
Double dip recession is worse than feared as UK faces ‘hurricane’
-
They attacked "like a pack" raining fists on a defenceless legal secretary. Yesterday they walked free from court. No wonder their victim says she has been denied justice.
-
Mayor demands report from Transport for London into Jubilee Line nightmare that left hundreds of commuters trapped for hours underground
-
Author Will Self flees with his children after roof of £1million Georgian Stockwell townhouse collapses
Man v Woman v Food: the big burger challenge 
New kids from the Bloc: new wave of Russians settling in London 
London drug dealer pictured himself with bags of cannabis and wearing crown of £20 notes 
BarChick: Janet's Bar 
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Happy & glorious
Prints charming
Promethipedia
The Middletan
Dare to bare
Thais go Gaga
Fashion
Victory parade
High flying heroes
The Twitter Diaries
