Fireworks will not be the only attraction at the Oxford Round Table's 42nd annual display this year.

A 28ft wicker man will be sharing the limelight as the rockets go up on Saturday, November 8, in South Park, Oxford.

The night will see the giant wicker creation set alight after the fireworks, and Round Table chairman Jason Priest is hoping the prospect of seeing the effigy ablaze will draw an even bigger crowd this year.

The events is already one of the largest in the city — attracting almost 15,000 people last year.

He said: "The wicker man is going to be quite a main feature this year.

"We will have him lit up on the night so people can see him as they come into the park.

"It's great to have it, as it isn't something we have ever had before.

"We will be doing our usual bonfire, which is pretty big, but the wicker man is going to be much bigger — everyone is looking forward to seeing it go up."

The wicker man is the creation of Oxfordshire artist Dan Barton, who originally built it to raise money for Poppy's Appeal to help Southmoor Pre-school build its own premises.

Mr Priest said: "It was auctioned off and it helped to raise £3,000, but the person who bought it gave it back and Dan offered it to us to use for our display this year, so we are delighted."

All the profits from the night go into the Round Table's charity kitty, which is then distributed to local charities over the course of the year.

Mr Priest said: "In the past these have included Helen and Douglas House hospice in East Oxford and Oxford Children's Hospital.

Preparation for the night started last year, with only 12 people on the Round Table's events committee responsible for sorting out all the details.

But an army of volunteers will be called into action on the day to get the site ready in nine hours.

Family tickets are £12 in advance (two adult and two children), single tickets are £5 and under-eights get in free. Tickets will be available on the night, but will cost more. Tickets can be bought from Shepherd and Woodward in High Street, Oxford, Ecco in New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, Ideal Eyes in Botley, Templars Square, Cowley, and Summertown, Up and Running in London Road, Headington, Johnsons Buildbase in Watlington Road, Cowley, Fusion Hair in London Road, Headington, and Walters in Turl Street, Oxford.

Gates on the night open at 5pm and the 30-minute display starts at 6.30pm.