A DAY celebrating probably Colchester's most important historical figure is taking place in throughout the town centre this weekend.

Following the betrayal of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, John Ball was captured in Coventry and brought to St Albans where he was tried for treason. On July 15 he was hung, drawn and quartered as Richard II looked on. His only crime - to call for greater social equality.

Now more than 600 years from the day of his death, the town where he lived and preached is marking his life with an egalitarian festival of politics, music and the arts that John Ball would be proud of.

Organised by the town's John Ball Society, which was set up to campaign for a statue in his honour, the centre of many of the activities will be at the Firstsite art gallery in Lewis Gardens.

From 11am to 1pm and then 2pm to 4pm there will be a free fun and creative banner making session in honour of John Ball before, at 2pm, a screening of Melvyn Bragg’s Radical Lives, Now Is The Time: John Ball in the auditorium.

Later in the day from 6pm to 7.30pm, there's a panel discussion entitled Let’s Talk Equality with those taking part including Essex University Chancellor Shami Chakrabarti and lecturer Dr Pamela Cox, chaired by David Isaac CBE of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The day is rounded off at the gallery with a performance from comedy, variety and improvisation troupe, Abnormally Funny People, from 8pm.

Elsewhere Liverpool-born singer/songwriter, street culture activist and professional busker, Jonny Walker is performing in Culver Square; the Mercury's Youth Theatre Group performs Equality Theatre for All in the theatre's Studio from 3pm; and there is the unveiling of the John Ball Plaque in the Dutch Quarter from 3.45pm.

As well as the unveiling the ceremony will include music from the new John Ball Motet by Lizzie Gutteridge and a modern John Ball speech in character by Dorian Kelly.

Finally Colchester band New Town Kings play a John Ball Day Special at the Colchester Arts Centre from 7.30pm.

For more information on the day and John Ball go to www.johnballsociety.org