IT is 400 years since Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed as he tried to blow up Parliament, and the city he called home is celebrating in style.

York is staging events to mark the anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, when the Government was almost blown to kingdom come.

The plot was a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605. Since then, the ritual of burning effigies of York-born Guy Fawkes on bonfires has become ingrained in British culture.

On Saturday, nationally-renowned street entertainers will launch the city centre activities at 2.30pm. Entertainers will include Markmark, an international touring performance company and winners of the Street Entertainers of the Year award, and Gandini Jugglers, a choreographed juggling group.

From dusk, the city centre will be illuminated as part of the Renaissance: Illuminating York project.

The centrepiece will be temporary lighting on the west facade of York Minster.

Between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, the city will come alive to a symphony of bells, brass and percussion.

Several bell towers in York will be played, from the 32 bells at York Minster to churches with single bells.

The percussion element will be performed from a pontoon on the River Ouse.

The events will culminate in a fireworks display from 5.30pm to 5.45pm, which has been timed to avoid church services.

The fireworks are designed to be seen from across the city rather than only the launch site.

Cultural events manager Peter Boardman said: "Our aim is to create an exciting, vibrant atmosphere in the city centre that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

"The fireworks will be projected between 300 and 600ft in the air so people will be able to see the display from all around the city; from well beyond the city boundary."