SUSSEX solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter took a medieval approach to fundraising by organising The Brighton Medieval Banquet in aid of Rockinghorse to celebrate their 50th year anniversary.

The Grand Hotel was transformed into a castle banqueting hall with long banqueting tables of food and drink served from medieval themed tableware, a celebrity King and Queen on the throne and an array of medieval entertainment.

MD Jason Edge said: “Putting on something like this has been a real challenge as it hadn’t been done before and we couldn’t have done it without the fantastic support from my team, The Grand, our sponsors, prize donors and the wonderful guests who really embraced the theme.”

After the welcome drinks reception where guests were greeted by the Knights of Herstmonceux and offered tankards of ale and goblets of wine, the night’s proceedings then followed with celebrity King, TV presenter Sid Sloane, asking guests to “taketh thy seat.”

Medieval themed band Portcullis hailed everyone in and a magician made his way around the room.

Fundraising activities included a medieval game of heads and tails, salt and pepper tributes and charity auction and raffle.

James Ross Jewellers were on hand to present a £500 voucher for the best dressed couple – Geoff and Michelle Rauf who had handmade their intricate costumes.

The evening ended with a great performance from local band Empire.

Guests were then encouraged to drink, dance and be merry into the early hours medieval style.

Ryan Heal, chief executive of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, said: “What an event!

“Thank you to our charity of the year partners Mayo Wynne Baxter for organising such a memorable evening.

“It was fantastic to see The Grand Hotel in Brighton transformed into a medieval banquet hall with guests dressed as kings, queens, princesses and knights.

“The banquet was a huge success raising almost £25,000 for our Sussex Giving for Sussex Children 50th anniversary appeal.

“We are extremely grateful to Jason Edge and the team at Mayo Wynne Baxter for their incredible support.”

The night was a huge success with local businesses sponsoring and taking part by donating great prizes and coming along to support it dressed in full medieval costume.