EASTENDERS star Anita Dobson will turn on the lights for the official launch of Brighton Christmas Festival 2021 on Friday.

The festive market in Valley Gardens, with more than 80 stalls and attractions, will be open from 11am.

Then, at 6pm, Anita, who is the star of this year's Brighton Centre panto Aladdin, will switch on the Christmas lights in Community Celebration Square in the festival hub.

David Hill, founder of Hove-based E3 Events which won a three-year contract from the city council to run the festival, is staggered by the response.

He said: "Friday is going to be an amazing day for Brighton and Hove, the start of Brighton Christmas Festival 2021.

"It is going to be absolutely amazing, and we are so excited.

"Everything is now in place after hard work from so many people, and I wish to thank them all.

"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."

The festival runs until Friday, December 31, and the market will be open every day from 11am until 11pm.

The chalets are hand-built and there will be constantly rotating stalls selling food and beverages, arts and crafts, bars and alcohol, Christmas trees and souvenirs.

David said: "We have high quality traders and local businesses taking part. Brighton Gin, Bluebird Vineyard Estates, Classic Truck Coffee Company, Trading Post Coffee Roasters, Pod Experiences, Brighton Beard Company and The Waffle Market are just a few.

"We are thrilled that Anita Dobson will be turning on the lights at 6pm and we want everyone to come along to Valley Gardens for this.

"It's the first year that the Brighton Centre has hosted a Christmas panto, and Anita is starring in Aladdin from December 22 to 27. Tickets are literally selling like hot cakes so don't miss out.

"We are also delighted that Danny Pike from BBC Radio Sussex will be broadcasting live from 2pm until 6pm on Friday from the market."

Friday also sees the official launch of EuroVibes, which says it is "Brighton's biggest Christmas party", at St Peter's Pavilion from 8pm.

Tickets are still available at www.festicket.com/eventgenius/eurovibes2021. This is a live show featuring Eurovision anthems.

For full details, go to the Brighton Christmas Festival website.

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