The head of the 10ft high Guy was carried round on the roof of a car by Ripon Gunpowder Plot organisers John Richmond and Stuart Martin in the build-up to the bonfire festivities taking place at Hell Wath.

"We had all sorts of reactions," said Mr Richmond. "Some seemed to look away in embarrassment and some had total consternation, but the overall reaction was very much one of amusement."

triple-bill of entertainment

The celebrations offer a triple bill of entertainment – a bonfire, a battle of the bands music contest featuring four acts and a fireworks spectacular which includes a Houses of Parliament backdrop created by Becky Blackman, head of art at Ripon College, and some Year 11 students.

Gates open at 6pm and the bonfire will be lit before the battle of the bands contest, compered by television presenter Claire Montgomery, begins at around 6.30pm. The hour-long contest will be followed by the fireworks display before the winning act returns to perform on stage.

licensed bar

A licensed bar will provide refreshments but members of the public are not permitted to bring their own alcohol and this policy will be strictly enforced.

Admission costs £5 each but advance tickets, costing £4, are available from five city outlets – Benson's hardware store, the newsagents on Westgate and North Street, Bondgate Stores and Lead Lane Stores. The outlets are also selling a £14 family ticket which admits two adults and three children.