VOLUNTEERS from Malmesbury and the surrounding villages are needed to help construct an eight foot puppet to carry at a celebration in Salisbury.

The puppet will represent the Malmesbury Community Area’s Baron in a parade celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

Up to 20 people representing the Malmesbury area will be invited to join the parade in Salisbury and one strong, fit adult will be needed to carry the Baron.

Two people will be needed to guide the person carrying the Baron and the rest of the group will be holding the banners and flags for their area.

People from across the community area are invited to attend a planning workshop on Saturday in the Community Hub in Malmesbury Town Hall from 10am – 12pm.

All are welcome, especially people with an artistic flair, those with an interest in local history and people who are good at translating ideas into practical action. The workshop will agree the design to decorate the eight foot Baron at the June 15 Magna Carta celebrations in Salisbury and hopefully paraded in Malmesbury the weekend before.

In addition to clothing him, the group will paint his face and arms and make up costumes for the people in the procession.

The group will be working alongside Malmesbury School who will be providing banners to travel with the Baron in the procession.

These will include a 21st century clause suitable for a modern day Magna Carta as well as a banner to distinguish the Malmesbury group.

The session on May 2 will be followed up by more workshops when the designs will be made up using painting, sewing, knitting and sticking or any other methods the volunteers dream up.

The project is being receiving funding from Malmesbury area board which will cover the cost of workshop materials and travel.

To get involved contact Miranda Gilmour on 01672 515742, email: miranda.gilmour@wiltshire.gov.uk or call the town council’s Community & Town Promotions Committee on 01666 822143.