THE big switch-on of the Christmas lights in Petersfield tonight (Friday) will kick-start a flurry of activity in the town centre – with two more big Christmas events planned in the coming weeks. But far from being miffed by conflicting events run by separate groups, festive organisers have defended the hectic scheduling for the town centre as a time for Petersfield to "come alive". Tonight sees the first of three major Christmas- related events take over the Square, and organisers have pointed out that all three events serve different purposes. The festive light switch-on event will coincide with Children in Need fundraising organised by Petersfield Marketing Limited (PML), which holds the licence for The Square. A month later, PML will hold a three-day Christmas event, again in The Square, with a focus on gift shopping for Christmas. Meanwhile, the Association of Petersfield Businesses holds a one-day event of their own in between, with the attention on green issues. PML chairman Vernon Peake said: "It's about time the market square came alive, and every effort is being made to make sure everyone has a good time." Association of Petersfield Businesses member Tracey Richardson said: "To me, as a Petersfield resident, the Square is such an asset and it's been interesting and quite exciting this year to see more activities take place. "This provides an opportunity for broad discussion between the groups to really look at how best to make the most of The Square for the people in the town and businesses in the town and surrounding area." The market square is set to burst into life at 6pm tonight in the build-up to the switch on of the Christmas lights. Mr Peake said: "I hope for a good attendance and full support to the Children in Need campaign. It's all about giving, not taking. There's lots of money to raise and we want everyone to have a good time doing it." Among the activities will be prizes for fancy dress, giveaways, and a request for usable mobile phones to be brought in for recycling as part of the nationwide appeal. Delta FM, The Herald's sister radio station, will be present and Clumsy the Clown, who will provide entertainment for children throughout the evening, will step up to turn on the lights at 7pm. The three-day Christmas event – from December 14-16 – hopes to attract people from a wide area. Mr Peake said: "We hope to bring people into the town so traders have a good, proper Christmas." In another Square festive event, The Association of Petersfield Businesses have gone for a German- style Christmas market on Friday, December 7. They hope to provide fun for children while spreading a green message. Mrs Richardson said: "All three elements of the event – a procession through the town, a market, and entertainment in the square linked through the 'green' theme – have captured the imagination of many local businesses and community groups." Santa will be on hand to lead children on a procession of the town, with goodies being handed out along the way. A Christmas-themed market in The Square will feature stalls from local businesses. Profits from the day will go to Petersfield Scouts, which celebrates its centenary year in 2008. Mrs Richardson added: "A Christmas market hasn't taken place in this way in the recent past. It's another way of celebrating and a chance for other businesses who do not have a shop in the town to bring their wares in. This gives them a chance to present their merchandise to the people of Petersfield in a festive atmosphere." Chairman of the Association of Petersfield Businesses Trevor Boyden said: "We are concentrating on local businesses and we are trying to benefit the Petersfield people and traders, as well as promoting a greener Christmas. All the stalls will be selling items rather than promoting goods." Mr Peake added: "The event is a good idea, but it is only on for a short time. It's all about greening and energy saving. It brings awareness to people on what energies could be saved. Ours is more about shopping, fun activities and people enjoying themselves."
