MP joins festive fun in Petworth

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert joined residents and visitors in Petworth for an evening of fun to celebrate the start of Christmas on Saturday (3 December).

The annual Christmas Fair in Petworth became a wonderful winter wonderland for the evening, with live window displays, Santa's Grotto, a funfair, food and gift stalls, and street acts.  The whole community including the Town Council, Petworth Business Association (PBA) and Petworth House (National Trust) joined together to bring the Christmas spirit to their historic market town.

The highlights of the evening included the Christmas lights switch on by Lord Egremont, and a competition for the best-dressed Christmas shop window depicting a ‘Below Stairs' themes.  Music was provided by the Petworth Town Band and carols were sung by St Mary's Church Choir.

The MP was met by members of the Town Council and Petworth Business Association including Ken Lintell, Chris Kemp, Eileen Lintell, Jean Huggett, and Jackie Tudor before touring some of the town's many independent boutiques and shops.  Mr Herbert visited some of the new businesses that have opened in Petworth, as well as some long-established ones.

After the shopping trip, Mr Herbert met Lord Egremont before he switched the lights on, and presented certificates to the winners of this year's Best Static Window competition.

Jackie Tudor, Chairman of the Petworth Business Association, commented: "We were delighted that Nick Herbert could join us in Petworth for the special evening.  Petworth has something for everyone this Christmas, a unique shopping experience, nostalgic step back in time or just the simple opportunity to soak up the seasonal atmosphere in a picturesque, tranquil setting. All parts of Petworth have enjoyed working together to create the perfect start to the Christmas season and we look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful community."

Nick Herbert commented: "I enjoyed touring Petworth's shops and it was very encouraging indeed that there are new and diverse businesses opening in the town and that they are weathering the economic storm.

"We are blessed with wonderful villages and small market towns in the South Downs, and Petworth really is an exceptional place to visit.  It's famous for its antique shops, but with new places to shop and eat, this beautiful place is adding to its attractions."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1.    Photograph attached, Sally Matson, manager of the newly opened Red Card stationery shop in New Street talks to Nick Herbert MP

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