Oxford artist Ted Dewan is building a giant pendulum to count the days until a spectacular fire display highlights Oxfordshire's Millennium celebrations.

Mr Dewan caused a stir with his Cyclemas Tree in 2004, a tree made entirely of abandoned bikes, which he pulled through the streets before "planting" it in Gloucester Green.

Now, the artist is preparing for another stunning public display by joining forces with Oxford Inspires and French arts event company Carabosse to host a series of fire installations in Broad Street, from March 15 to 17.

Mr Dewan, who illustrates children's books including the Bing Bunny series, said preparations for Luminox, one of the opening events for Oxfordshire's Millennium in 2007 festivities, were now well under way.

Yesterday, he was at Modern Art Oxford, in Pembroke Street, constructing the 18-metre spire of bamboo that will hold a huge fiery pendulum.

Each full swing of the pendulum will count off each of the thousand years of Oxfordshire for the duration of the evening.

Mr Dewan said: "Kids from across Oxfordshire are making fire jars so they will be involved in a big way and the bamboo spire is starting to come together. It will be so tall that I think we will need a high-sided truck to get it into place, although I would love to get a horse and cart involved.

"I'm hoping that Luminox will coincide with some sort of procession at Balliol College.

"It's serendipity that the History of Science Museum in Broad Street is holding a time-themed exhibition to coincide with the fire installation, and will be displaying historic matches and a fire clock."

Cathy Nightingale, a spokesman for Oxford Inspires, the cultural development agency coordinating a year-long programme of events, said she was delighted Mr Dewan was helping to organise the Luminox display.

Other highlights include Dancing Oxford, a dance festival which runs until March 18.

There will also be a Children's Food Festival on July 14 and July 15 at Wittenham Clumps, at the Northmoor Trust's conservation farm. See www.oxfordshire2007.com for a full programme of events.