A TOWN has celebrated its links to one of the most important documents in history by staging a medieval festival.

Thirsk, in North Yorkshire heralded the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta with an array of events recreating the period at Thirsk Racecourse, including knights in armour performing combat displays, a medieval fashion show, medieval weapons training and falconry shows.

Opening the event, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd, highlighted that the family of William de Mowbray, of Thirsk, were only one still in existence of the 25 executors of the document at Runnymede on June 15, 1215.

The baron was later excommunicated by Pope Innocent III for his role in the charter, which enshrined a range of rights, including access to swift justice and limitations on feudal payments to the Crown.

Visitors to the event jumped as former world champion jouster Alan Beattie slapped a broadsword across a shield to start proceedings.

Twelfth Century re-enactment group Historia Normannis, whose members travelled from across the North to perform at the festival, staged shows detailing the events leading up to the signing of the charter, how Shire Courts dispensed justice and the brutal treatment that serfs could expect.

Folk play group the Wakeman Mummers, of Ripon, and three groups of minstrels recreated shows typical of the era, alongside storytelling and traditional children's games sessions.

A birds of prey display by Darlington-based falconer Ben Potter and medieval battles, in which the only rule was that re-enactors could not hit each other on the head, were among the most popular attractions.

Organiser Joe Salmon said the event had attracted almost 1,000 visitors.

He said: "People attending the festival said it was brilliant.

"Thirsk is so lucky to have its links to the Magna Carta to add to the mix of things it can attract visitors with, and this is something that should be taken advantage of.

"We didn't get as big an attendance as we hoped, but that was probably due to the weather forecasts being fairly dismal."