THIS weekend is set to go with a bang as fireworks parties and bonfires are organised across the county.

The biggest event will take place in Oxford’s South Park on Saturday, when £12,500 worth of fireworks will light up the city skyline for an expected 20,000 revellers.

Richard Warburton, chairman of the organisers Oxford Round Table, said: “Last year we raised nearly £40,000 and we aim to do more for local charities this year.”

The night will culminate with the burning of a 38-foot-high wicker man.

A countywide competition to design it was won by Reuben Morris-Dyer, 10, of Stanford in the Vale Primary School.

Mr Warburton said: “Last year, the firework display was phenomenal, and the wicker man just added to that.”

Gates open for the South Park display at 5pm with the display starting at 6.45pm.

More than 3,000 are expected at Pingle Drive, Bicester, on Saturday and Morris dancing and mulled wine will entertain villagers in Fernham, near Faringdon.

At Culham Park near Abingdon, the crowds will be treated to a bonfire and laser show in aid of the forces charity Help For Heroes.

Promoter Sue Cornwall said: “This bonfire night looks set to be better than any before.”

Scheduled events are: FRIDAY: ABINGDON: John Blandy School, Laurel Drive, Southmoor – 5pm. Families £5.

BLETCHINGDON: The Black’s Head Inn, The Green – 6pm to 8pm. Free admission.

FERNHAM: Fireworks, mulled wine, good – Gates 6pm. Family ticket £10.

FRINGFORD: Fringford Village Hall – Bonfire and fireworks at 5.30pm. Entry by donations.

GREAT MILTON: Great Milton Recreation Ground – Fireworks, music, BBQ and bar. 7pm. Donations on the gate.

GROVE: Grove Recreation Ground – Bar and BBQ, fairground, Morris dancing. Gates 7pm. £10 family, £5 adult, £3 children.

KIDLINGTON: Stratfield Brake Recreation Ground, Frieze Way – Gates 6pm for 7pm display. £5 adult, £3 child.

KINGHAM: Playing Field, Station Road – Fireworks, bonfire,pig roast from 6pm to 9pm.

LONG HANBOROUGH: Long Hanborough Playing Fields – Music, refreshments and fairground, gate 6.30pm. £3 adult, £2 children.

OXFORD: St Michael’s Primary School, Marston Road – Fireworks, bonfire, food and drink. £3 adult, £2 child and £8 family.

OXFORD: 22nd Oxford Sea Scouts headquarters, Meadow Lane, off Donnington Bridge Road – BBQ and refreshments, raising funds for scout hut from 6.45pm. Adults £5, children £3.50 and family £15.

STEEPLE ASTON: Fireworks, bonfire on recreation field at 6.15pm for 7pm start. £6 or £16 family, including food and non-alcoholic drink.

WOLVERCOTE: Fireworks outside The Plough, Upper Wolvercote, with BBQ and bonfire from 6pm.

SATURDAY: ABINGDON: Culham Park off the A415, near Clifton Hampden – Bonfire and laser show in support of Help For Heroes from 5.30pm. £5, £3 for child or £12 family.

BICESTER: Pingle Field, off Pingle Drive – Fireworks from 6.30pm. £4 on the gate.

DIDCOT: Brasenose Park – Display and bonfire, fun fair and pig roast from 5.30pm.

LAUNTON: Manor Farm, Bicester Road – Bonfire and display, with BBQ and refreshments from 5pm.

OXFORD: Barracks Lane Community Garden, Barracks Lane, off Cumberland Road – Pumpkin lantern-making, storytelling and bonfire from 5pm. Free admission.

OXFORD: South Park – Doors 5pm, fireworks 6.45pm. Tickets £6 door, £15 family.

STANDLAKE: Standlake Village Hall – Sea Scouts annual bonfire night and fireworks display. Doors open at 6pm. Adult tickets £4, child £2 and family £10.

WHEATLEY: Wheatley Primary School playing field, Littleworth Road – Fireworks, fairground and sidestalls. £5, child £3 and family £15.