CHRISTMAS?comes to Petersfield this weekend – with the return of the annual festive market.

With the lights switch on last Friday and the town's sparkling Christmas tree and lights giving Petersfield its traditional yuletide feel, thousands of shoppers are expected to converge on the town for a festive bonanza.

Organised by Steve Jacob and Ben Errey of Petersfield Festivals, a market and a wealth of entertainment is expected to bring an extra Christmas buzz to the town.

It is being run in collaboration with the monthly farmers' market, which will be held in The Square from 10am to 3pm.

And with festive activities for the all the family, the Entertainment Zone offers the best place to hear the many talented acts taking part on the special day.

"Petersfield Festivals are returning for another year with their fantastic Christmas festival market to kick-start the festive season in Petersfield."

Father Christmas will pay a visit while the entertainment continues with a magician, a fire engine, buskers, face painting, bouncy castle and petting zoo.

Music in the Entertainment Zone includes Christmas tunes from the Salvation Army Band at 10am, followed by carols from children at Petersfield Infant School. Jazz band Deep Blue perform at 11am and children from Herne Junior School will sing Christmas songs at 11.30pm. Popular young folk singer Amy follows at noon while the choir and wind band from The Petersfield School take to the stage at 12.30pm.

Magician Bob Diamond will entertain the festive crowd at 1.30pm before Petersfield Community Choir present their festive programme at 2pm. District singer-songwriters Luke and Sasha round off the musical entertainment at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, amateur historian David Jeffrey will be leading a free, one-hour guided tour of St Peter's Church at 2pm.