THE PEOPLE of Petersfield are invited to bring out the picnics and the bunting for a big weekend of celebration.

The town is flying the flag for the Queen’s 90th birthday at a community event on the Heath on Sunday, and for 130 years of the Salvation Army at an afternoon of fun, food and music at The Petersfield School (TPS) on Saturday.

The Queen’s love of bears, especially Winne the Pooh, has provided the inspiration behind the Picnic and Music on The Heath event on Sunday, which will run from noon to 2pm.

A teddy bear’s picnic will be held as part of the celebration, and the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song will be sung as well as Happy Birthday.

Children from Herne Junior School Orchestra, The Petersfield School Choir and Churcher’s Jazz Band will be providing the music for the event.

This has been organised for the people of Petersfield by the town council, with the help of the schools, and the new town mayor, Cllr James Deane, will be hosting.

Money raised from a decorating a crown activity will go towards the mayor’s charity. The gathering, with those taking part invited to dress in red, white and blue, and to don crowns and tiaras, will be on the grassed area near to The Little School by the Lake nursery site.

T-shirts can be made for the bears. Contact Sew Creative in Lavant Street for more details.

Rousing music and fun for all the family is promised for a picnic to mark the 130th anniversary of the Petersfield corps of the Salvation Army at TPS on Saturday, from noon to 4.30pm.

The climax will be a Proms of Praise, with classics such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and Britannia Rules the Waves, providing the opportunity for flag waving and singing along.

The afternoon’s line-up begins with the Solent Fellowship Brass Band from 12.30pm, followed by Herne Junior School choir from 1.15-1.45pm. Speeches from the territorial leader and the town mayor are at 1.45pm, with band playing until 3pm.

There is a musical solo and duet from Gary Peckham and Lauren Bergin at 3pm, and those two performers will sing with the Proms of Praise at 3.30pm too.

There will be charity stalls, children’s activity tent, Salvation Army exhibition and much more.

Tickets are £5 per family of two adults and three children aged 16 and under.

Picnic-goers are asked to take their own chairs and blankets. Glass items, alcohol and dogs are not permitted.