A NEW festival will celebrate Droitwich's history while providing the best in food, drink and musical entertainment.

A special event —Droitwich Charter Day — has been set up to coincide with 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta.

While he was busy signing the Magna Carta in 1215, subjecting himself to the laws of England, King John also found the time to grant Droitwich the right to manufacture salt from the brine stream that is still runs under the town, an industry which fuelled the growth of the town.

The Charter festival takes place on Saturday around the town centre and Vines Park, and will see various events take place, such as re-enactments and other games and activities.

This event has been expanded by organisers from 4Shires Festival, who will run the Apple Cider Music Festival from Friday until Sunday.

John Dudley, who is on the festival's committee, said: "It's set to be a tremendous event. We will be celebrating our own history as well as the country's history, and we decided to combine this with a celebration of music and cider.

"Across the three days there will be something for everyone, including a fun fair, markets and the launch of a new cider.

"We've done incredibly well to get the fantastic Black Voices to come to the festival, and they will perform on Saturday. Black Voices have performed for monarchy and have travelled the world with their incredible music."

They will be joined by a host of local bands as well as a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin.

Entry to the event costs £3 per day.

For more information visit www.4shires.events or for tickets visit the Gardener's Arms in Vines Lane, Droitwich.