THE DATES for the Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses Winter Festival have been confirmed.

Artists across the city are now able to register to take part in the visual arts festival.

Event organisers have confirmed the 2021 festival will take place on November 27-28, December 4-5 and December 11-12.

During the festival, hundreds of artists will be opening their houses and studio spaces to the public, offering the opportunity to buy direct from the artists in their own homes.

The offerings include artwork, ceramics, homewares, crafts, jewellery, children’s toys, Christmas cards and food gifts.

Many of the houses also offer mince pies and mulled wine to ease you into the Christmas spirit.

Registrations for the festival will remain open until September 30.

The Artists Open Houses hold two festivals a year - the Winter festival and the May festival.

The may festival is now the largest event of its kind in the UK, covering Brighton, Hove, Rottingdean, Ditchling and surrounding area.

Artist Open Houses festival director Judy Stevens said the events connect artists and makers with an audience of art-lovers, buyers and industry professionals.

“And it is also fun to take part in, exhibiting with your friends in your own home,” she said.

Registration costs can be shared by all the artists exhibiting in one venue.

Anybody living in the 01273 telephone area is eligible to take part in the festival.

If you live outside the telephone area, you can still take part in AOH festivals by becoming a ‘guest artist’, exhibiting your work in someone else’s house.

More information can be found online. Those wanting to register are encouraged to contact info@aoh.org.uk or go to aoh.org.uk/registering-for-the-artists-open-houses.

The Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses dates back to 1981, when Fiveways-based artist Ned Hoskins opened his house to the public to view his work and that of a group of friends.

Other artists in the area followed suit to form the Fiveways Artists Group.

Around 200 houses and studio spaces across the city open their doors for the main festival in May and around 60 open during the Christmas festival.

Over 1,000 artists and makers share their work and homes each year.