PART of The Square in the centre of Petersfield will be transformed into an ice rink this Christmas as part of the Festivities.

The Square will be dominated by a synthetic rink during the Festivities, which takes from December 5-7, and tickets for the attraction go on sale on November 3.

Richard Knowler, operations manager of Ice Magic, said the specially-designed plastic surface is "just as good as the real thing" and is better for the environment.

"It's a great fun experience for the whole family and lends an atmosphere of wintry charm to any event," he said. "It's more environmentally friendly ice skating because you don't have to use a lot of power keeping the ice chilled.

"It's just as fun as skating on ice but we have a very small carbon footprint, so it doesn't cost the earth."

The rink surface is made of a tough plastic and is built up in sections. During the day, a team of supervisors will spray a lubricating fluid over the rink to aid the skaters.

Demand for the rink is expected to be high.

Tickets, priced £3 for children, £5 for adults and £12 for a family tickets, including skate hire, for a 45-minute session, will be on sale at the Taro Leisure Centre at Penns Place.

Meanwhile, businesses are being reminded that today (Friday) is the deadline for securing stalls for the three-day Christmas Festivities.

EHDC's Richard Millard said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses that are not in the centre of town to get involved and be a part of this fantastic family event.

"Our aim is to hold an event that will bring both business and the local community together, with a fresh retail opportunity for the traders as well as a celebration and entertainment provision for visiting families."

Stallholder application packs can be downloaded from http://www.easthants.gov.uk">www.easthants.gov.uk, or by calling Calie Sharman on 01730 234035.

The Square will be transformed into a traditional winter wonderland in early December, with a Christmas market, skate rink, stage acts, street performers, children's activities, and an outdoor café.

And EHDC is looking to build up a band of volunteers to help ensure the celebration runs smoothly.

The council is also looking for stage acts and street performers. As well as bands, choirs and solo singers, the organisers are searching for demonstrators, street theatre or any kind of appropriate show that will bring some sparkle to the festival.

Prospective volunteers should contact EHDC before November 14, while performers should send an e-mail to fishbowl.uk@ntlworld.