The South Downs National Park officially open on Friday April 1.

The UK’s newest National Park will stretch from Winchester to Eastbourne. The Square in Petersfield will hold a range of celebrations from 10am.

And the opening, by Margaret Paren, chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, is at noon and includes the unveiling of the park map, the unfurling of the National Park flag from St. Peter’s Church tower and the revealing of a commemorative plaque.

“This is a wonderful celebration of the new National Park and it is just nice to do something that is all good news in the current climate,” said event manager Philip Haines.