THE organiser of Brighton's five-week Christmas Festival says it is already proving a "massive success" despite problems with today's storm and power issues.

David Hill said 19,000 people visited the market in Valley Gardens on Saturday alone.

The Elves Save Christmas shows have sold out on both weekends and extra performances have been added in the week running up to Christmas Day.

Santa's Grotto attracted 3,000 ticket sales in advance and is also sold out every weekend.

The Argus: Anita Dobson on opening night of the festival.Anita Dobson on opening night of the festival.

David, founder of E3 Events in Palmeira Square, Hove, said he was pleased with the response but acknowledged there have been issues with power and the extreme weather.

He said: "I am aware that there were challenges in the first week but overall, it is proving a big hit.

"To have over 19,000 people pass through the entrance to the market on Saturday is a staggering figure and many of our customers told us that they had travelled to visit Brighton and the festival.

"The city centre was absolutely packed at 8pm on Saturday, probably busier than it was at 2pm. That's the festival effect.

"Our Apres Ski Lodge bar was so busy on Saturday it literally was one person in, one person out.

"Our children's shows are all selling extremely well, and The Nutcracker was also a sell-out."

David says it was a challenging first week, particularly because of the storms, but the team "always put customer safety first".

He said: "I have worked in event management for more than 25 years and we have to listen to the experts.

"I know that some people were upset that we had to close on the afternoon of only the second day, which was November 27, but the winds were so high it was dangerous and we had no option.

"The health and safety of our customers, our traders and our team must always be the number one priority.

"There was also an issue with the power last week, not our fault but again it did lead to some disruption, for which I must apologise.

"And of course, today is a challenge with such shocking weather. It is sadly out of our control.

"We are also working with some of our local neighbours concerned about noise levels at night. We take such issues very seriously and I have spoken directly with the residents."

David and his team have secured a three-year contract from Brighton and Hove City Council to run the Christmas Festival.

He said: "We are clearly doing something very positive for families who are coming in their droves.

"Our Community Celebration Square stage is also very popular. A different local community hero is turning the lights on every night and we love the focus this gives to our diverse and vibrant community.

"E3 has also funded two community chalets and each day they are used by local charities such as The Starr Trust and Rockinghorse, and so many others.

"We always said from the very start that we wanted to involve as many local community groups and charities as possible. This is so important to us, and as a small business in the city we have raised over a quarter of million pounds in the last ten years for local charities like Chestnut Tree House and The Martlets."

Rob Starr, chairman and founder of The Starr Trust, said: "The Starr Trust relies on local businesses and friends to enable us to maintain and grow our profile locally as well as raise much-needed funds for the young people we help.

"To include a true community space at this Christmas market and allow small charities such as ours to take part is truly within the Christmas spirit."

The Christmas Market ends on Christmas Eve but the shows in St Peter’s Pavilion and the Apres Ski Lodge Bar remain open until December 31.

The funfair and big wheel will also be open until New Year’s Eve. Organisers have added a programme of live music in the Apres Ski Lodge bar.

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