STAFF in period costume strolled around the grounds of the Royal Pavilion yesterday to mark the anniversary of Queen Victoria handing the site over to the city.

On the third Sunday of every January, people celebrate the date Victoria sold the entire estate to the town commissioners of Brighton in 1850.

Entry to the Pavilion is free on the day – and thousands turned out yesterday to take advantage of it.

Staff dressed as Regency ladies and gentlemen offered tours and historical talks.

John Ferdinand, 49, works at the Royal Pavilion.

He said: “It’s a really exciting time of year.

“The atmosphere is like a festival. You had to be there.

“It’s especially nice for those who have never been before or who can’t afford it usually.

“Staff were really well dressed up.

“We had someone as King George IV and his last mistress, Marchioness Conyngham.”

Jan Carey, who also works at the Pavilion, said: “It’s a bit of fun. We had someone as the famous dandy Beau Brummell and everyone was in period clothing.

“It’s such a nice atmosphere. Kids really enjoy it and we had more than 3,500 visitors.”

Staff at the Pavilion said the place will be closed for cleaning from today until Friday before reopening on Saturday.