AS Petersfield prepares for the grand switching-on of its new Christmas lights today (Friday) the town's marketing group has appealed for more help from traders. The chairman of Petersfield Marketing Limited (PML), Vernon Peake, told The Herald the new lights in the High Street and The Square had cost around £10,000. PML, he said, wanted to provide an even better display in the High Street next year and extend the spectacle to include Lavant Street, Chapel Street and the Folly Market next year. "But that is going to cost another £2,000 to £3,000, and if traders all made a minimum donation of £25 this would be very gratefully received and help us to upgrade the festive display even further next year," he said. He urged businesses across the town to support the festive displays, adding: "We want to increase the number of lights in the town, but we can't do this without support. "This is for the whole community of Petersfield and the lights do bring shoppers to Petersfield." The Christmas lights will be switched on at 7 pm tonight by Father Christmas in The Square. It will be the highlight of an evening's entertainment in the centre of the town, organised to coincide with the switching-on of the Rams Walk Christmas lights. Shops in the centre of the town and in The Folly Market will be open late for Christmas shoppers. The fun in The Square includes Santa's Grotto, swing boats, children's rides, face painting and candy floss, as well as hot and cold food. Three bands and carol singers will provide the music for the event.
