Brighton’s Christmas market was scrapped as the council could not afford to spend the money to carry out the event, it has been revealed.

The Argus reported earlier this week that Brighton and Hove City Council had “run out of time” to organise the annual Christmas market in the city centre, with its plans for a smaller-scale community event falling through.

Last year’s event was hosted by events company E3 Events, but the firm cut short its three-year contract early due to difficulties from the pandemic, rising costs and supply chain problems.

The council had launched a consultation over the summer for a new Christmas celebration for the city, with plans to announce the “full programme” of events at the end of October.

However, lead councillor for tourism and culture Alan Robins exclusively told The Argus that the plans had fallen through.

He apologised to residents who would be disappointed by the news and said the Labour administration had “ran out of time” to sort the event after taking control of the council in May.

Cllr Robins has said the council had been unable to find a suitable partner to help fund and co-ordinate the event, and has now said that the council could not spend the £70,000 needed to carry out the Christmas market.

He said: “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a partner willing to commit to the project for a single year.

“Given the enormous funding crisis the council is facing, we cannot commit to spending the £70,000 needed to stage an event.

“We wanted to create a different kind of Christmas market this year, because in the two years it was staged it was never actually all that popular with the public and was also expensive for traders who wanted a pitch there.

“We received a fantastic response from community groups, artists and makers in the city keen to be involved in a Christmas event - and we appreciate they will be disappointed.

“However, we will keep in touch and look forward to involving them in future Christmas events in the city.”