Space monsters will roam Castle Howard's grounds when a fireworks spectacular inspired by War of the Worlds bursts into life.

Fireworks at Castle Howard

The stately home near Malton is bracing itself for an alien invasion on Saturday, September 4, when Millennium Pyrotechnics will stage a multi-media spectacular incorporating 11/2 tons of fireworks, as well as lasers and special effects.

About 10 miles of wiring will allow the display of half a million "stars" to be fired electronically, ensuring split-second timing.

Taking H G Wells's epic science fiction adventure as their starting point, Millennium aim to convince those witnessing the event that Martians really have landed.

A narrator will accompany the fireworks, and there will be a specially-compiled soundtrack made up of clips from sci-fi movies and classics like Holst's The Planets and Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries.

"Mars is 140 million miles from the sun and the heat it receives is half that which reaches us on Earth," a Millennium spokesman said.

"Mars has air, water and all that is necessary for life. But we still believe that the chances of Earth being invaded by Mars are a million to one - until now!"

Gates will open at 6pm on the day, allowing people to arrive early and enjoy a picnic until darkness falls and the "invasion" begins.

Tickets cost £8 (£4 for children aged four to 16) if bought in advance from Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA; Ticket World, York; York Tourist Information Centre; Scarborough Tourist Information Centre; and Ryedale Travel Agency Ltd. On the day, tickets will cost £12 (children £6).

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.