Hundreds of people are expected to gather at the city’s Aids memorial for an annual vigil to mark World Aids Day.

The vigil remembers people connected to Brighton and Hove who have died from HIV/Aids-related illnesses.

The event, held in New Steine Gardens, will include a welcome from the city’s mayor Jackie O’Quinn, followed by a reading of names by representatives of a wide range of civic, statutory and voluntary organisations.

A memorial bench honouring the late James Ledward will be a new point of interest at this year’s event.

The bench is one of a series forming a friendship trail organised by the Brighton and Hove Tourist Alliance and has been decorated by Romany Mark Bruce, the designer and sculptor who created the Aids memorial “Tay” in New Steine Gardens.

Mr Ledward, who was once editor of the LGBTQ+ publication Gscene magazine, was a community leader and activist who inspired many with his work.

HIV charity Lunch Positive will have a marquee at the vigil, serving hot drinks and providing information about it.

Alongside the vigil, the council will fly the red ribbon flag from its town halls to mark World Aids Day, with two UK Aids memorial quilts on display in Jubilee Library until December 10.

“Tay”, the cast bronze memorial sculpture, was unveiled in 2009 and depicts two intertwined figures soaring up towards the sky.

It is named after Paul Tay, who sculptor Romany Mark Bruce described as his “soulmate”.

Paul died in May 1992, ten months after being diagnosed with Aids.

Describing the sculpture’s figures, Romany told The Argus: “Their paths have crossed and if you follow the trajectories of the two figures you’re never really sure if they meet again as they rise upwards.

“It’s powerful for me, as it is for others, as it brings back memories of somebody very special.”

The candlelit vigil takes place tomorrow, December 1, from 6pm to 7pm in New Steine Gardens.