FOR many the sight of the iconic Coca Cola truck signifies the start of the festive period.

The big red truck, famed for the drink company’s much loved Christmas adverts, will once again tour the UK – but Sussex is set to miss out for the third year in a row.

Back in 2016 the event attracted thousands of people looking to get a glimpse of the yuletide magic as the vehicle stopped off in Eastbourne on its Sussex leg of the tour.

It was the first time it had come to the county since 2014 and many will be left disappointed at the news that the truck will not be coming to town this year.

The tour’s nearest stop this year will be the 02 Arena in London.

Coca Cola have said that they try to visit as much of the country as it can - but it just is not possible - meaning some towns and cities may have to go without this year.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that the Coca-Cola truck will not be able to visit Sussex this year.

“We try to cover as much of the country as possible, but unfortunately we can’t visit every town and city.

“We update the route every year, making sure we visit locations which are easily accessible from the surrounding areas.

“This year, we are spending longer in each location, allowing those in nearby areas more time to travel to their nearest truck stop.”