THE man who will champion Salisbury’s Magna Carta 800th anniversary has told the city’s business people his door is open for discussion and ideas.

Seif El Rashidi said partnership working was vital to the success of the event, which will be launched in February, 2015.

Speaking to the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce’s 90 Minutes Meeting at Sarum College, the event organiser said: “There has already been increased publicity around the country for this event and I am sure the interest will grow.

“The main thing we are doing is re-interpreting the Magna Carta.

“We are seeking to show why it is important and the aim will be to widen it beyond just those interested in history.”

Having been responsible for the Durham World Heritage site, he said he anticipated a repeat of the interest shown on the first day of their event.

The launch of the Salisbury event will follow the planned bringing together of the four existing copies of the Magna Carta at the British Library.

Mr El Rashidi said: “We hope to capture that enthusiasm and continue it through to the celebratory weekend which begins on June13th.”

He said events will include a fun event in the Close being organised by Wiltshire Council, a concert involving many local schoolchildren and modern installations and projections. “We are trying to make it as much of a community event as possible,” he added.

He reminded people he had an office based near the cathedral now and would welcome visits from business or community representatives with ideas on how best to celebrate the year.