Front rooms will be moved into the street in a bid to encourage residents to switch off their televisions and talk to each other.

Households across Brighton and Hove are expected to take part in the Zocola event.

It is being organised by the White Dot group.

Campaign director David Burke began the event in the Hanover area of Brighton in 1991.

Zocalo is named after the Mexican word for town square or piazza where locals meet to chat and socialise every night.

David said: “You don't need to bribe the Mexicans with entertainment or food.

“They just fill the Zocalo because it is the place to be. They like talking, seeing and being seen.”

He said that the annual event has taken on a life of its own with Hanover residents now organising it themselves if he does not.

The idea is catching on in other parts of the city.

The event will kick off at 5pm on Sunday when organisers drive around the city streets with deckchairs tied to their cars, blasting out Salsa music.

That will be the sign for residents to turn off their TVs and take their sofas out into the street.

To find out more visit www.zocalobrighton.org.

Are you organising your own Zocalo event? If so we want to hear about it. Email news@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544519.