ONE of the biggest festivals York has ever seen could be held this year to celebrate the life of the city's most infamous son.

Culture chiefs are hoping to hold a huge event on November 5 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot - when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

A huge light show - the like of which would never have been seen in the city before - would be the centrepiece of a day of celebration that would bring "the eyes of the world to York".

Liz Page, who chairs York@Large, the city's cultural partnership, announced plans for the event today during a meeting also attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker, at the Guildhall.

Mrs Page said that, subject to funding, members of York@Large intended a celebration that would be fitting for the occasion in its "spectacular appeal".

"Without giving too much away, I can say that, subject to funding, we will celebrate in a 21st century way and, as well as our own B for Bang, we will have lots of L for Light," she said.

Incorporated as part of a Festival of Light, the extravaganza would be one of the highlights of 2005's City of Festivals.

Although firm details have not yet been determined, the event - which would cost hundreds of thousands to stage - would incorporate a light and laser show, a fireworks display, fire and water, music and activities about the life of Guy Fawkes. Other events could include a son et lumire at Clifford's Tower.

Liz Topi, events officer at City of York Council, said: "We will be marking this, and we are looking to do something completely different.

Liz Page announced that she would be stepping down as chair of York@Large at the end of the month. Subject to final confirmation, Sir Ron Cooke, former vice-chancellor of University of York, will take up the reins for six months.

York-born conspirator in famous plot

GUY Fawkes was born in Stonegate on April 13, 1570. The only son of Edward Fawkes and his wife Edith Blake, Fawkes was christened at St Michael-le-Belfrey, in Low Petergate, and became a pupil at St Peter's School. He and fellow conspirators Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright and Thomas Wintour, hired a cellar under Parliament, but a letter, discussing how certain Catholic peers could escape the explosion, came into the hands of the Baron Monteagle, who was loyal to King James. Fawkes was arrested, tortured and hanged, drawn and quartered.

Updated: 08:43 Thursday, January 20, 2005