THERE was a festive party atmosphere in Hove’s Palmeira Square for the Christmas lights switch-on event.

People gathered by the floral clock for the annual event.

Pupils from Brunswick Primary school sang in nearby St John’s Church.

Brighton and Hove City Council supplied the tree which was lit by Father Christmas. The Rotary Choir sang carols around the tree which everyone sang along with.

Trisha Gaskell-Watkins, treasurer at Brighton and Hove City in Bloom, said: “It was a really special community occasion that started Christmas off with a lovely festive feeling.”