A CHRISTMAS market has been forced to close for a second time since opening a week ago.

EastEnders star Anita Dobson turned on the lights at the official opening of the Brighton Christmas Festival in Valley Gardens on Friday, November 26.

Less than a week later, the market has been forced to close due to a power fault.

It was also forced to shut up shop due to Storm Arwen the day after opening.

In a statement released on social media on Thursday night, Brighton Christmas Festival organisers announced the market had been forced to close.

“Due to an unforeseen power fault, the Christmas Market site (including the Santa’s Grotto) at Valley Gardens is now closed and will not reopen this evening,” they said.

“Our other festival sites and these include St Peter’s Pavilion, The Après Ski Lodge Bar, The Observation Wheel and the Funfair remain open.

“Show scheduled at the St Peter’s Pavilion for this evening and tomorrow will not be affected.”

The market, which has more than 80 stalls and attractions, will run until Friday, December 31.

The hand-built chalet stalls sell a variety of food and drink, arts and crafts, Christmas trees and souvenirs.

On Saturday, November 27, organisers announced that adverse weather conditions had forced the closure of the market and other sites.

Certain shows were also cancelled.

David Hill, founder of Hove-based E3 Events, which won a three-year contract from Brighton and Hove City Council to run the festival, previously said he has been staggered by the response so far.

"It’s an amazing day for Brighton and Hove,” he said. "Now we have got to make sure that Brighton and Hove celebrate Christmas in a way never seen before.

"Brighton Christmas Festival has been a huge project for the team, make no mistake about that, and we want everyone to join in.”

Local businesses taking part include Brighton Gin, Bluebird Vineyard Estates, Classic Truck Coffee Company, Trading Post Coffee Roasters, Pod Experiences, Brighton Beard Company and The Waffle Market.

he Brighton Christmas Festival site extends south from St Peter’s Church, York Place, to the Victoria Fountain in Old Steine.

From Monday to Saturday, it will be open from 11am until 11pm. On Sundays it will be open from 11am to 6pm.

However, the site will be closed on Christmas Day.

There is no charge for admission to the festival site and tickets are not needed. However, some attractions and entertainment features within the festival will involve an admission charge.