THIS year’s Ealing Autumn Festival will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta – with one of the highlights being an exhibition of paintings in libraries across the borough.

Magna Carta Turns 800 will be launched at Ealing Central Library on Saturday, June 13, when 26 paintings based on the coats-of-arms of the 25 Magna Carta barons and King John will be on display.

This coincides with the anniversary of when the historic document was sealed at Runnymede in Surrey on June 15, 1215.

The unique paintings have been commissioned by the festival from the 4020 Art Group, which meets at Hanwell Community Centre, and are based on a concept by Diana Braybrook.

A series of informative posters are also being prepared to accompany the exhibition.

It will continue during the summer and autumn months in libraries across the borough and is being held in partnership with CCS (Cultural Community Solutions) of Carillion, who run Ealing Libraries on behalf of the council.

It is funded by Ealing Council ward forums, along with a grant from Bubble.

Festival organisers are looking for young people aged 12-25 who are passionate about freedom, human rights and democracy to become Magna Carta ambassadors.

Ambassadors will be present at the launch of the Magna Carta Turns 800 exhibition in Ealing Central Library on June 13 (11am-4pm) and will make three to four further appearances as it moves to other venues.

They will discuss with library visitors the significance of the Magna Carta.

To help them prepare, the ambassadors will take part in six study sessions delving into the demands made by the 25 rebellious Magna Carta barons.

Sessions are being held on the following dates: Saturday, May 23 2-4pm at Greenford Library; Sunday, May 24 1.30-3.30pm Ealing Central Library; Tuesday May 26 5-7pm at Acton Library; Wednesday, May 27 5-7pm at Southall Library; Thursday, May 28 5-7pm at Northolt Library; Saturday, May 30 2-4pm at Hanwell Library There will also be a free day trip to view the copy of the Magna Carta at the British Library.

The main programme for this year’s Ealing Autumn Festival will be announced in the coming months, with music, opera, visual art, literature, film and dance events being staged at venues across the borough during October .and November.

For further information about becoming an ambassador, request a registration form at info@ealingautumnfestival.co.uk or phone 020 8567 7623.