STREET parties, concerts and a procession of floats will all be part of next yearÕs royal golden jubilee celebrations in Petersfield.

Work to organise and co-ordinate the packed programme of events continued this week when the townÕs jubilee committee met to discuss plans for the celebrations.

On Monday, members of the jubilee committee met Nadia Maidment from BBC South to find out what the rest of the county has planned.

Committee chairman Paul Malloy was joined by Peter Fisher, Andy Owen, town mayor Kenneth Hick and Anne Cleaver from the Petersfield Tourist Information Centre.

They were given help and advice from Mrs Maidment in planning next yearÕs programme of events.

Mr Malloy said: ÒI thought it was a very useful meeting and it gave us the chance to tie in all our ideas with the rest of the nation.

ÒWe had planned to have street parties on the Sunday, but they are being held on Monday everywhere else.

ÒThis is one of the main things we have changed. It will give us the chance to join in national events like the beacon- lighting project and country-wide drum beat.Ó

PetersfieldÕs jubilee committee is planning a fortnight of events and activities for the community.

Theatre-lovers will have the chance to enjoy the Lion and Unicorn PlayersÕ production of the Tempest or the Hi-LightsÕ production of Merrie England.

The Southern Orchestral Concert Society will pack the Festival Hall on Saturday, June 8, for a musical evening that Mr Malloy hopes will be broadcast to hundreds more watching from The Heath.

Other possible activities include a procession of floats from the town centre to The Heath which could turn into a floating parade on the lake.

The committee wants to hear from people who can organise street parties throughout the town and from any local companies or businesses that can help with sponsorship or donations.

People are also being invited to a 50s evening at the Festival Hall which will feature a variety of bands and good old entertainment.

The townÕs craftspeople will have the use of the libraryÕs top floor for an exhibition of local artistic talent. A 92-year-old local man is currently working on a sculpture of the royal crown.

Mr Malloy said:ÒWe are just hoping to get as many people involved as possible and have a fantastic time to mark the jubilee.Ó

Mrs Maidment, who is also co-ordinating information with the Department of Culture, Media and Sports, said she was very impressed with the progress of the Petersfield plans.

She said: ÒIn places like Petersfield, community events are the important thing. As well as celebrating the QueenÕs golden jubilee, the event can be youthful and forward looking.

ÒIt is also a good idea to hold an event that leaves a legacy which can continue and maybe become an annual event. PetersfieldÕs plans are well under way.Ó

The jubilee weekend will run from Friday, June 1 to Tuesday, June 4, and many of the nationÕs events are being scheduled for these days.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, the celebrations include smaller local events and a classical concert will be held at Buckingham Palace.

The bank holiday Monday, June 3, will be the day for street parties and spontaneous community-led events. The extra national holiday on Tuesday, June 4, will be the day for pageant events.

Anyone who would like to help with Petersfield jubilee events or volunteer in any way can contact Paul Malloy on 01730 266578.