WHAT a difference a year makes... for 12 months ago York was ridiculed around the world for not making the most of one of its most famous son’s celebrations.

But today a comprehensive guide of events marking the infamous Guy Fawkes has been issued by tourism bureau Visit York which includes two major fireworks displays plus a host of other events in the run-up and following that famous anniversary on November 5.

Visit York has published 12,000 of its guides to “Guy Fawkes In York”, detailing bonfire night celebrations throughout the city and the surrounding area, running between October 31 and November 8.

York is celebrating Guy Fawkes this year in a variety of ways, and the guide contains the traditional bonfire and fireworks events as well as those exhibitions and activities which allow people to find out more about Guy Fawkes and the history of the man behind the infamous Gunpowder Plot.

Key events include the York Maze Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, November 5, including a giant bonfire, fire-eaters and a fire-juggling show. The event will finish with a fireworks display choreographed to a soundtrack featuring hit songs from some of Yorkshire’s favourite bands.

Castle Howard is also hosting its own traditional bonfire and fireworks display on Sunday, November 2, by the lake, with live music, a fire show and food stalls.

For a light show with a difference, the event programme starts on October 31 with Illuminating York, a light installation on show in various locations around the city including Yorkshire Museum Gardens, Holy Trinity Church and Goodramgate. For the avid historians, there is a variety of walks and trails available providing entertaining stories on the streets of York about the man born in the city and educated at St Peter’s School. A special exhibition at St. Michael Le Belfrey church will present Guy Fawkes’s original baptism certificate from 1570 between Saturday November 1, and Friday, November 7.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive at Visit York, said: “It’s great that there are so many different events in and around the city to commemorate this unique connection with Guy Fawkes. This new publication aims to provide visitors and residents with the information they need to enjoy them all.”

Copies of Guy Fawkes In York will be available from the Visitor Information Centres at De Grey Rooms and York Station. Copies will also be available in York Library, the City of York Council offices in St Leonard’s Place, Park&Ride offices and the Guildhall.

* York could potentially see a third fireworks display at a Hallowe’en Fair being planned, including a fun fair at Bustardthorpe Field, York Racecourse on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.

The proposed event does include a fireworks display but this is yet to be officially confirmed.


Bonfire and firework displays in York and North Yorkshire

* Selby Bonfire and Fireworks Display Saturday, November 1, bonfire lit at 6.30pm. Free entry, collection for the Friends of Selby War Memorial Hospital. Scott Road Community Field, Selby YO8 4BL.

www.selbytowncouncil.gov.uk 01757 708449.

* The Marcia, Bishopthorpe, York Saturday, November 1, fireworks display and bonfire. £2 adults, £1children. Food and drink available. Doors open 5.30pm bonfire lit 6pm, fireworks 7pm. 01904 706185.

* Castle Howard, near Malton, bonfire and fireworks display, Sunday, November 2. Bonfire and fireworks display by lake with live music, fire show, food stalls and bar. Gates open 5.30pm. Adults £10 and children (four to 16 years) £5, under fours free. Book tickets on-line at www.castlehoward.co.uk or phone 01653 648620.

* The Ebor, Bishopthorpe, York Wednesday, November 5, bonfire, fireworks and food. Bonfire lit at 7pm and fireworks at 7.30pm. St John Ambulance in attendance and experienced marshals. Tickets available from pub, phone 01904 706190. £1.50 adult, 75p child.

* Jinnah Restaurant (A64 Malton Road), Wednesday, November 5, curry and fireworks. Grand Kashmiri buffet with fireworks. First sitting 6pm, second sitting 8pm, fireworks at 9pm. Adults £12.95, children under 12 £6.95. To reserve table phone 01904 468202, www.jinnah_restaurants.com.

* York Maze Fireworks Spectacular, Elvington, Wednesday, November 5, giant bonfire, fire eating and fire juggling show, fireworks choreographed to a soundtrack featuring hit songs from some of Yorkshire’s favourite bands. Children’s play area, jumping pillow, live music, food stalls, bar and Christmas shop. Gates open 6pm, bonfire 7.30pm, fireworks to music 8pm followed by live band.

Ticket must be bought in advance from York Visitor Information Centres or by phoning Visit York on 01904 550099. Adults £7.95, children (three to15) £6.95, family (2+2) £28.00. Details visit www.yorkmaze.co.uk.

* Sherburn White Rose Sports and Social Club, Saturday, November 8, bonfire and fireworks display. Free entry. Food and bar. Gates open 6.30pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 8pm.

* Rufforth Playing Fields, on the B1224 Wetherby Road, near York, Saturday, November 8, supervised bonfire and firework display with hard standing area, bonfire lit at 6pm. Hot and cold food and drinks. Adults £3.50, children £1.50 available on gate, although there is a 50p reduction for advance tickets, phone 0785 1054045.

* South Milford/Monk Fryston, Saturday, November 8, bonfire and fireworks display near Monk Fryston Junior School. Starts at 6pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks at 8pm. £5 per ticket, under fours free. For details, visit www.southmilford.co.uk


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