A music festival in Petersfield Festival Hall raised more than £1,000 for Ukrainian refugees.

Petersfield mayor Peter Clist said: “Many local organisations stepped in to sponsor it and we thank them all – it was a great success.”

The Sunflower Festival over the weekend of August 6 and 7 came about because Petersfield Town Council’s Kathryn Ellis-Blandford and Philip Swan simply wanted to help.

Deputy halls manager Philip said: “I considered what possibilities were available to support the wider Ukrainian community and it was clear this was an opportunity not just to raise money for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, but also to showcase the incredible potential of our iconic facility.”

More than 20 bands and solo artists of all music genres played for free from midday to late on both days.

The council invited local refugees and their hosts to the event, offering each refugee a free ticket.

Many turned up, on their own or in families, to enjoy the chance to keep in touch and meet music-loving locals.

A festival spokesman said: “Attendees, from tiny tots to older music lovers, helped raise more than £1,000 for Ukraine.

“In between dancing ‘like no one was watching,’ our Ukrainian guests shared their stories with local festival goers.”

For details of Petersfield Town Council news and events, visit the website www.
petersfield-tc.gov.uk