Residents of Brighton and visitors to the seafront have watched the construction of the Brighton Christmas Festival through the essence of 150 market stalls, rides and the 50 metre wheel. The Festival is running from Friday 26th November till Friday 31st December, 11am till 11pm. David Hill whose company, E3 Events, who are running the festival said: “It is crucial to involve the community in the five- week festival in the heart of Brighton”.
The Festival is situated in Lower Victoria and Valley gardens next to the Old Steine, opposite the Palace Pier. There will be a Santa’s grotto, pop mini golf course, traditional food and beverage stalls such as hot chocolate, mulled wine, bratwurst and crepes. The main bar will be promoted as ‘The Ski Lodge’ which will offer a range of specialty beers and spirits from local distilleries alongside the stage where live music from local artists and DJ’s will play. Kids are also catered for with The Brighton Centre’s showcase pantomime Aladdin, Pub Quiz for Kids at Valleys Gardens and The Elves Save Christmas musical at St Peters Pavilion also at Valley Gardens.
The Pantomime will be held at the Brighton Centre further down the seafront from the festival. Former Eastenders actress Anita Dobson will feature within the pantomime and also switch on the Christmas lights at the festival on the opening night.
A huge effort is being made to promote local charities. Each charity will open a stall free of charge and will hold fundraising activities, sell merchandise and inform those of the charity and how to get involved.
E3 events and Brighton council are hoping for a large intake of visitors throughout the five weeks, especially after the lack of events due to Covid. David Hill said: “There is a major push to attract people to Brighton from much further afield, to boost business for our hotels, the retail sector and our unique attractions like the Royal Pavilion and the BAi360.”
Abby Pettitt is a student who is visiting Brighton for the first time during the Christmas festival season, she said: “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, the market with the music, lights and little market huts, especially after not being able to go to one for so long”.
An Instagram, Twitter and Facebook account has also been set up, @bnchristmasfest to promote and keep the public updated on events going on within the festival each night. Detailed information on shows, tickets and prices can also be found on the official Christmas Festival website @https://www.brightonchristmasfestival.com/ .
