MORE than eight centuries of British history will be celebrated at a Magna Carta-themed Alton Community Festival this weekend.

Held tomorrow (Saturday) at Alton College, the historic event promises a variety of activities for all ages, while district sports, arts and community clubs will be offering taster sessions, information and advice.

Activities begin at noon with schoolchildren from in and around Alton performing alongside the Phoenix Theatre Company in the college’s Wessex Arts Centre. The production is based on democracy and will celebrate the 800th anniversary of King John sealing the Magna Carta – the document which is central to British democracy and law as we know it today.

At 1.30pm, the entertainment will fast forward 200 years as the Four Marks Archery Club provide an Agincourt-themed demonstration to mark the 600th anniversary of the battle which has entered English folklore as one of our most famous victories. After the demonstration, the club will offer visitors the chance to loose off a few arrows too.

Sports clubs will be running taster sessions in the sports hall from 1pm, giving families the chance to join in and have a go, and live music, stalls and refreshments will feature in the refectory during the afternoon.

Alton Town Council said it has been “delighted” to help organise this year’s community festival in partnership with Alton Buckle, Alton College, Alton Community Association, East Hampshire District Council and Radian.

As well as taster sessions from sport clubs, there will be lots of community organisations offering a wealth of information from help with housing from Radian to what’s on offer at the Alton Community Centre and Alton College itself, as well as how you can get involved with groups such as the Rotary Club.

There will also be a ‘meet your council’ stall, where residents can put questions to their elected Alton Town Council members.

A children’s competition will offer a chance for the younger generation to think about democracy and how laws can help make a positive difference in communities, inspired by the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

The competition asks: “If you could write your own Alton Charter, what would your rules be to make Alton the best place to live?”

Alton Toy Shed has donated a gift voucher for the five to 11-year-old age category winner and Alton College has donated a community course or workshop voucher for the winner of the 11-16s’ category.

Competition forms are available from Alton Town Hall, Alton Community Centre and Alton College, and completed forms are to be returned by 2pm at the festival.

Alton mayor Pam Jones will announce the winners during the event at 2.45pm.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to read about what rules the youth of Alton would make,” she said. “We live in a country famous for freedom of speech and we have the freedom to speak and vote for important issues that affect the way we live.”

This will the third Alton Community Festival.