CHARLBURY Beer Festival has gone medieval with its 18th celebration of yeast, hops and barley.

This year’s festival will be themed around the historic charter, Magna Carta, agreed between King John and his barons 800 years ago on June 15, 1215.

The charter was an attempt by the barons to rein in the king’s power, but also set standard measures for ale and wine across the country.

Clause 35 of the document stated: “Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn, namely the London quarter.”

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Families will be encouraged to turn up in medieval costume for the festival, on June 27, which donates all its proceeds to good causes.

Organiser Nick Millea said: “We wanted to base the festival around a major anniversary and this was the first one that came up.

“We will have Magna Carta ale on sale and beers from breweries in Runnymede, where King John signed the charter, all the way along the Thames to Oxford.”

He added: “It’s just a lovely day really. There will be live music, 50 beers, wines and spirits, games, competitions.”

The festival also hosts the world Aunt Sally championships, an Oxfordshire sport that involves throwing wooden batons at a skittle, known as a ‘doll’.

Sponsors are being sought for the beers and the festival and anyone interested should email djabbey@hotmail.co.uk

The festival starts at noon and runs until 10pm. Entry will be £10.

For more information visit charlburybeerfestival.org