THE QUEEN'S Golden Jubilee is set to go off with a bang in Tadcaster with a grand fireworks display.

The display will be the finale of four days of celebration in the town which will include a street fair, a tug-of-war and a Jubilee ball.

The ball will be held at the Riley Smith Hall on Friday, May 31. Tickets will cost £15 and will include a knife-and-fork buffet.

On Saturday, June 1, there will be a fun day from 10am to 4pm at the Safeway store in Mill Lane. This will feature a bouncy castle, a charity car wash by North Yorkshire firefighters and children's fancy dress. Churches Together in Tadcaster have planned a special church service on June 2. The Yorkshire Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army will be giving the service at 6pm at St Mary's Church.

One of the highlights of Tadcaster's celebrations will be the town street fair on Monday, June 3. With over 20 stalls organised by local groups, the fair in Kirkgate will be opened by the Mayor of Tadcaster, Coun Richard Sweeting, at 2pm.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Wetherby and District Silver Band and Tadchorale.

At 3pm, the whole town will pull together with a grand tug-of-war along the riverside. Teams of eight from any organisation, club or pub are invited to enter and could win a trophy. Entry forms are available from Tadcaster community swimming pool or The Ark.

The day will end with a giant party at the Magnet Sports Ground starting at 7pm. There will be a disco and barbecue followed by live music at 9pm.

Tadcaster's bonfire beacon will be lit at 10pm just before the fireworks display. Tickets for the party will cost £3 for adults and £2 for children. They will be fully refunded at the bar or the barbecue on the night.

There will also be a funfair in the central car park from noon until late on both Monday and Tuesday.

Coun Sweeting said: "Tadcaster is a close community. We are not just celebrating the Golden Jubilee, we are also celebrating our town.

"I am overwhelmed by the response we have had from the public. We have really worked together and have tried to cater for all ages."

Updated: 15:07 Tuesday, May 14, 2002