A Christmas market could be coming to Brighton this year

The event would be held on the newly-restored open spaces between St Peter’s Church and the Palace Pier which are part of the Valley Gardens project.

Councillors will discuss the idea next Thursday.

The redeveloped Valley Gardens area in Brighton

They will decide whether to approve a bid from Brighton business E3 Events to operate the market.

The festive event would last for more than a month, between November 26 and December 31, and would run for three years.

There would be no entry fee, with visitors treated to a mix of retail stalls, food and drink, entertainment and attractions.

Christmas lights in North Street, Brighton..

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chairman of the council's tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: "Events, retail and hospitality play such a major part in the life of our city and the sector has experienced severe losses during the pandemic.

• READ MORE: What next for the Valley Gardens project?

"While we cannot be complacent about the case rates we are facing today in our city, we are hoping to be able to support an offer of outdoor events by the end of this year to aid the recovery. And if everyone plays their part then hopefully a more normal life for the city will arrive by Christmas time.

"Growing the offer for the city at Christmas time has been a long-standing ambition of ours. The Christmas market will provide opportunities for local suppliers and offer a wonderful winter attraction for residents and visitors.

Valley Gardens phase three proposals

"We received seven strong bids to operate the market and I thank them for their interest and the Business Improvement District for being part of the panel to evaluate the bids."

If approved by the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee next Thursday, the market organisers will also need a premises licence.

The event would also need to take into account any remaining government Covid-19 restrictions in place this winter.