IT'S that time of year again. The whooshes and whizz-bangs, the showers of green, red and gold from the screamers and rockets in the winter sky.

Crowds looking aloft as they are warmed by the bonfire, which crackles and snorts, and gunpowder, treason and plot are remembered.

It is almost 400 years ago that, on November 5, 1605, one of York's most famous sons, Guy Falkes, along with his fellow conspirators, unsuccessfully attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Here is a selection of some of the bonfires and firework displays to mark the occasion in the Ryedale area this year.

* Saturday, November 3: Hutton-le-Hole bonfire and firework display at 6pm. There will be barbecue food, soup, gingerbread and toffee apples. No brought-in fireworks allowed.

Leavening's annual bonfire is on the same night, with light-up time at 6.15pm and fireworks at 6.30pm. Entrance is free and refreshments will be on sale at very little cost. It will be held in the field at the bottom of school hill on Malton Road.

Sandy Lane, in Westow, is the location for the village bonfire and fireworks display, beginning at 6.15pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the village of Huby, near Easingwold, stages a bonfire and firework display opposite Huby School on Saturday, with the fire lit at 6.15pm. There will be a small admission fee and food available.

* Sunday, November 4: High Sleights, Acklam. Entitled Bonfire and Bangers, there is a 6.30pm start with supper and mulled wine, to be followed by fireworks. Tickets are £5 each, though family tickets cost £10. It is taking place to raise money for the Bugthorpe under-fives playgroup. Tickets are available in advance from Sandra Wood on (01653) 658409 or Sarah Lear (01653) 658406.

There will be a bonfire and fireworks at The Snooty Fox, East Heslerton, at 6pm, on Sunday. Everyone is welcome, no admission fee and food will be available.

* Monday, November 5: Malton and Norton Rotary Club bonfire at the Brooklyn Centre, Langton Road, Norton. It all begins at 5.30pm when stalls and sideshows will be open to the public. Refreshments will be available and the bonfire will be lit at 7pm, while the fireworks will be let off at 7.30pm. Tickets for adults cost £3.50, school age children £1.50 and under-fives free.

The rear of The Malt Shovel will be the location on Monday for Hovingham village bonfire, which will be lit at 6pm, with fireworks at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £2 for adults, £1 for children and admission is free for under-fives. It includes supper and is all in aid of Hovingham Charities.

Cayton parish bonfire takes place at the McCain Sports Ground, Osgodby Lane, on Monday, with the bonfire lit at 6.45pm. Everyone is asked to leave cars at home, if possible, though there will be a car parking charge of £1.

Seamer Youth Centre stages its Bonfire Night event at Arosa Caravan Park, Ratten Row, Seamer, on Monday, with the fire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks from 6.45pm. Admission is 50 pence.

The annual bonfire in Helmsley was called off earlier this year because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, November 01, 2001