Stunning illuminations and outdoor skating will ensure people enjoy a winter wonderland this Christmas.

Preparations are underway for the creation of an ice rink at Brighton Marina and the return of the popular Burning the Clocks lantern parade.

The Brighton and Hove Winter Festival marks the climax of the city's year of culture.

Although Brighton and Hove failed to be shortlisted for European Capital of Culture 2008, residents enjoyed a series of events throughout the year from Fatboy Slim's Big Beach Boutique II to French pyrotechnics experts Groupe F's spectacular fire theatre at Preston Park.

The focus of the Winter Festival will be the 25m by 15m ice rink at the marina which will be open to the public from December 1 to January 5.

The rink is being created by Brighton skater Robin Cousins' company and he will be visiting after touring Germany with Holiday on Ice.

Alan Abretti ice projects manager with Cousins Entertainments said: "We have put synthetic rinks at the marina before and because of their success, it was decided to put real ice down.

"It will be opened by Jane Torvill OBE, who will also be turning on the Christmas lights."

On the Saturday, November 30, she will be giving skating lessons at £1 per minute for the James House children's hospice, for which she is the patron.

Councillor Jackie Lythell, who chairs the Where Else campaign, said: "Obviously we are disappointed we didn't make the final six for European Capital of Culture but we must not lose the energy created this year - there is a great buzz across the city."