Brighton: Christmas Market takes shape ahead of opening event

Brighton’s new Winter Fayre will open again in Valley Gardens outside St Peter’s Church on Thursday as festive celebrations in the city kick off in earnest in December.

The new fayre will see a departure from previous year’s festivities with a greater focus on food and entertainment ahead of Christmas.

Inside the Winter Fayre ahead of its opening weekend (Image: The Argus)

Grottos and seating areas continued to take shape on Wednesday morning as chalets and street food vans lined the area decked out with Christmas trees and festive lights.

In a step away from the previous Bavarian-style market, the newly organised event includes covered seating areas and a range of free music and entertainment.

One of the tents at the event (Image: The Argus)

The event will also include screenings of festive films such as Arthur Christmas and The Grinch, as well as children's favourites such as Paw Patrol, priced at £5.

Other entertainment on throughout the opening weekend includes a Christmas Mariachi band, Bez from the band the Happy Monday’s DJing and playing indie tunes and folk-music favourites Blue Rose Code.

A fireplace set up inside the venue (Image: The Argus)

A winter bar will serve seasonal cocktails, mulled wine and a range of alcoholic and soft drinks while street food from What the Pitta and The Pizza Oven are part of this year’s offering.

A weekly makers market on Sundays will also show off jewellery, woodwork and wellness products among other stalls.

Outside the winter fayre (Image: The Argus)

Children’s events on site throughout the fayre include Bollywood dance classes and Swiftogeddon, a Taylor Swift themed music event.

Brighton’s Winter Fayre opens on Thursday, December 5 and will run until December 22. The fair will be open from Thursday to Sunday each week from 10am until 11pm.

Entry to the event is free while film and workshops can be bought on site or booked online.