A well-known antiques dealer has been announced as the new organiser of The Petersfield Antiques Fair.

Ben Cooper takes over the role for the forthcoming fair, running from April 25 to 27, to be held as usual at The Festival Hall. He succeeds Caroline Penman who acquired the long-running event for Penman Fairs in 1999, she will continue to provide help and support.

Ben will run the fair under the banner of Penman Fairs with whom he has organised several major events in the past, most notably as director of The Chelsea Art Fair and The Chester Antiques Fair.

He is also the co-organiser, (as Two C’s Antiques Fairs with Stephanie Castell) of the highly successful Ludlow Antiques Fair in Shropshire and the recent Worcestershire Antiques Fair at Chateau Impney, near Droitwich. He has been a regular exhibitor at the Petersfield Fair for several years.

Commenting on his new role, Ben said: “It is both an honour and a pleasure to take over the running of this popular and well-established event. I look forward to maintaining the fair’s high standards and reputation for good business. I have known and worked with Caroline Penman for many years and will be grateful for her assistance over the next few months.”

Having bought and sold a wide range of antiques for more than 25 years, Ben is well-known from his regular appearances on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and other programmes over the past decade. He is also manager of The Secondhand Warehouse in Leominster (primarily selling antiques).

The Petersfield Antiques Fair is a prestigious, stand-fitted three-day event featuring approximately 37 specialist dealers from across the UK. Most are members of the leading trade organisations and have been showing at the fair for many years.

Details of the spring fair will be announced soon.