A city council is having to reimagine plans for this year's festive season after Christmas market organisers pulled out of a contract one year early.

Brighton’s first festive market was met with fierce criticism in 2021 when it launched due to its lack of “magic”, with the following year also failing to deliver despite promises of improvement.

Organisers E3 have now announced they are pulling out of their contract to arrange this year’s market with “the effects of Covid” among reasons given.

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Brighton and Hove City Council’s head councillor for culture Alan Robins said: “Rising costs have meant that the current operator has decided to withdraw from the event, giving us an opportunity to reimagine the kind of Christmas celebration that we want in Brighton and Hove.

“It will be community-focused and centred around our fantastic local artisans and performers. We’re thinking brass bands, choirs, gifts, crafts and fun for all the family.”

The move could see this year’s market move from Valley Gardens.

E3 was contacted for comment.