MP in Petworth for Christmas lights

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert celebrated the start of Christmas with the residents and visitors of Petworth during the town's Christmas Lights event last Saturday (1 December).

The annual event in Petworth was a full day of seasonal activities, which included market stalls, a fun fair, music, entertainment and Father Christmas's grotto.  Mr Herbert joined local people in the historic market town to enjoy the festive fun which was organised by Petworth Business Association (PBA), the Town Council and the Christmas Lights Committee.

The MP had the opportunity to visit a number of the town's shops, including many new ones which have set up recently, and then presented certificates to the winners of this year's Best Static Window competition.

The theme for the windows in the Golden Jubilee year was ‘1952', the year of The Queen's accession to the throne.  Spriggs in New Street won the first prize.  Other shops in the town took part in a ‘live models' windows competition, with impersonations of characters such as Scrooge and Tintin. 

The switching on of the Christmas lights in Market Square was performed by Lord Egremont who was joined this year by his two year old granddaughter Esme.

Jackie Tudor, Chairman of the Petworth Business Association, commented: "We were very pleased that once again Nick was able to join and visit the new businesses that have come to the town since his last visit.  We are always grateful for his support. 

"The evening was a great success.  The Christmas Lights Committee excelled themselves with their organisation and created a day and evening full of ambience. "

Nick Herbert commented: "It is always a pleasure to visit Petworth and never more so than at Christmas.  It was great to see the town in such good heart and visit some of the new businesses which are opening."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1.     Photograph attached L-R, Jackie Tudor, Chairman of the Petworth Business Association, Nick Herbert MP, Chris Kemp, Chairman of the Christmas Lights Committee at the Petworth Community Garden Stall run by Kate Brickell (not pictured).

2.     For more information about Petworth and the Petworth Business Association, please see their website http://www.petworthtown.co.uk/