Comment | Read Comments (27)

Crowds gather to watch a fireworks display in Heslington, York, in November 2003

A SPECTACULAR laser light and music show could welcome Guy Fawkes home to York as tourism bosses and prominent businessmen plot to bring his celebration back to the city.

The Press can reveal they have met in a York cellar in a bid to revive a November 5 event in the city which has become a damp squib since the calamitous fireworks display of 2005.

Among the ideas proposed is a two or three-day Guy Fawkes Festival, including a laser show, possibly beamed across the city from the top of York Minster, and a large-scale re-enactment of the gunpowder plotter's last days.

Around the table were representatives from Visit York, including director Ian Gillies, York Tourism Bureau, York Maze owner Tom Pearcy and David Hattersley, owner of the de Bretton hospitality group, which includes a number of high-profile establishments in York.

Plot to hatch a Guy Fawkes fest

GUY Fawkes could be heading back to his home city in style after a top-level meeting between tourism chiefs and prominent businessmen.

They have met in a bid to revive the celebrations for November 5 which have become a damp squib in York since the calamitous fireworks display in 2005 and a string of cancelled events last year.

Among the ideas being proposed is a two or three-day Guy Fawkes festival, similar to the successful Viking Festival, which could include a spectacular laser, light and music show possibly beamed across the city from the top of York Minster.

Other events could include the re-enactment of the gunpowder plotter's last days, plays and educational events throughout the city and a dedicated website detailing all private displays across the city.

Around the table were John Yeomans, chairman of Visit York which begins life on April 1, Ian Gillies, also a director of Visit York, Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of the outgoing York Tourism Bureau, David Hattersley, whose de Bretton hospitality group recently bought the Guy Fawkes Hotel in High Petergate, York Maze owner Tom Pearcy and Mark Brayshaw, owner of events company Rocking Horse Promotions.

Today Ian Gillies, speaking in his Visit York role, said: "The meeting was held to explore the options for celebrating Guy Fawkes. We have looked at a number of ideas including the single event, such as a fireworks display, but also the idea of the festival which could be modelled on the Viking Festival and be a series of events over two days.

"There is a willingness around the table to do something in the city, get the ball rolling and continue to grow it over several years.

"This isn't just a talking shop. I wouldn't go if I thought it was a waste of time. We are focussed on achieving something for the city.

"But is has to be of the right quality, it has to be something York can be proud of. It has to be achievable, appropriate and affordable. If we can get that though I support it fully."

The Press understands Mr Hattersley, who owns Harvilles restaurant and Marmadukes hotel, has pledged £5,000 to a fighting fund for the celebrations and Asda have also put up £1,000.

Graeme Wightman, manager of Asda at Monks Cross, said: "I have lived in York for 11 years. I understand the council do have constraints, but I think for an event that has big local significance it would be a bit like selling your soul not to have an event."

Tom Pearcy, owner of the York Maze, today said: "It would be a crying shame if York doesn't do something to celebrate Guy Fawkes. There was a very positive feeling around the table that we can get something kick-started and that something will transpire.

"I have got involved as a private enterprise to see what I can do whether it be York Maze being a venue or simply contributing ideas."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway wished the private initiative well after councillors recently voted not to invest £50,000 of taxpayers cash on a public celebration.

He said: "I have no objection to the tourist industry generally organising a celebration of Guy Fawkes and I wish them every success as long as it is safe.

"The key is site security if they are looking for a large display. No one should under-estimate the safety aspects and the logistics involved."

Ambitions revealed

DAVID HATTERSLEY today revealed how York could become one of the most famous celebrations for November 5 in the country.

He said: "It was quite appropriate because we met to plot in a cellar just like Guy Fawkes, this one being the Oyster bar in Harvilles.

"What I am particularly excited about is the investment in a spectacular light and music show, maybe from the top of the Minster, which could really put York on the map.

"Guy Fawkes is a huge pull and it would be great to do something different, something modern - maybe like Jean Michel Jarre, and reclaim the interest.

"There was a real positivity and a determination to achieve something."

If more businesses want to become involved they should contact vistyork.org.

Bonfire Night fiasco

LAST year's Bonfire Night let-down in York achieved international status.

The Press told in November 2007 how lack of public bonfires and fireworks displays in the city where Guy Fawkes was born and baptised had baffled people across the globe with journalists from across the globe reporting the fiasco.

It was reported by organisations as far a field as the New York Times, the international press agency Reuters and the Canadian press.

Due to health and safety issues, York City Football Club was told it wasn't big enough to host a fireworks display.

After applying for a special safety certificate, the club was told that the distance between the area where fireworks could fall and where spectators would be, was too small.

Fireworks furore

THE fireworks display to mark the 400th anniversary of Guy Fawkes were also marred by controversy from the moment the first rocket hit the city sky.

The Press was deluged with calls and letters of complaint from readers after the event on November 5, 2005, although bosses at City of York Council, which organised the event, claimed the great majority of people enjoyed it.

About 10,000 people who gathered in front of York Minster and in Duncombe Place had their views of the fireworks obscured by buildings.

Thousands then surged towards Lendal Bridge to try and get a sight of the fireworks, causing traffic to gridlock.

Have your say

What should be included in a York Guy Fawkes Festival?

10:59am Thursday 27th March 2008

Print

Email this

Comment