Following the announcement that the Petersfield Community Festivals will not be going ahead this year, the Town Council and the Mayor have responded.

Posting on social media, the council said: “Petersfield Town Council shares the community’s sadness following the recent announcement from Petersfield Festivals that they will be taking a break from organising the Spring, Summer, and Winter Festivals in Petersfield Square.

“These events have been a significant and much-loved part of the town’s calendar for the past 13 years, bringing joy to residents and visitors alike.

“We commend Petersfield Festivals for their tireless dedication and the positive impact these events have had on our town. Their efforts have enriched Petersfield’s community spirit and supported local businesses, and we are deeply grateful for everything they have achieved.

“While the Festivals will be taking a break, they have said that they would still be willing to support our Christmas Light Switch-On community event. This is an event which Petersfield Festivals have facilitated on behalf of the Town Council in recent years.

“In response to suggestions on social media that Petersfield Town Council might step in to organise similar events, we would like to clarify that we sadly do not have the budget allocated for additional events in this financial year capacity available.

The planning, organisation, and delivery of festivals of this scale require significant resources, and it would not be feasible for the Council to take on this responsibility at this time.

“However, we remain committed to supporting and facilitating community initiatives wherever possible. We encourage local organisations and residents with ideas for new events to reach out and explore potential collaborations.”

Mayor Cllr Lesley Farrow added: “It’s with great sadness that I heard the news that Steve and Ben were stepping down for a break. I can’t blame them because the flack that they received when they had to close down the Christmas festival was absolutely poisonous.

“I have known them for a number of years now; they are hardworking, totally honest and have a great love for the town. I sincerely hope that this is just a well-deserved break and that they will be back in the future.

“They are still going to be running the Petersfield Awards and the Christmas Light Switch On - both of which are important community events to which they add their own particular flair.

“I wish them well in everything that they do and fully appreciate the sheer hard work and dedication they have put into the town festivals over the last 13 years.

“The sheer planning and organisation that goes into these events is immeasurable and there’s absolutely no way that the town council would have the capacity to take them on. I look forward to manning the barriers again for you some time in the future!”

The Council extends its thanks to Petersfield Festivals for their outstanding contribution to the town over the years and wishes them the very best during their well-deserved break.