FOUR hundred and nine years on from the Gunpowder Plot, York's bonfire night has gone off with a bang.

York Maze's sold out firework's spectacular began at 4.30pm, and saw a giant bike burnt on top of the bonfire, in a nod to York's visit of the Tour de France this year.

Families flocked to the event at Elvington, which also included a fifteen minute long firework spectacular choreographed to music, displays of fire juggling, hot food, and the children's play area.

Live music was also provided by York party band Huge, and the event benefited from a chilly but dry weather forecast.

Further afield, communities celebrated with their own events. There were village firework and bonfire spectaculars in Poppleton, Long Marston, Tockwith, and Pickering.

Later in the week, more events are planned. On Saturday, November 8 the firefighters have organised a community fireworks display and bonfire in Rawcliffe Country Park, in aid of the Firefighters' Charity.

And York singing star Beth McCarthy will be performing at a bonfire party off Eastfield Lane, Dunnington from 4.45pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, two local celebrities have been invited to help Copmanthorpe's annual fire work display go off with a bang.

Singer Beth McCarthy, who appeared on BBC's The Voice, and Tadcaster Grammar School's internet sensation teacher Adam Dawson will be performing at Copmanthorpe's bonfire event on Friday.

Starting at 5.30pm, with fireworks at 8pm, the event is taking place at Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, and follows the successful re-introduction of a bonfire event in the village last year.