A GIANT observation wheel is ready to give festive revellers stunning views of the city as a new Christmas market gets ready to open.

Brighton's festive market in Valley Gardens, with more than 80 stalls and big wheel, will open from 11am, beginning the countdown to the holiday.

Revellers will be able to visit two purpose built entertainment venues to watch live performances of festive shows and have the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto.

Pictures taken from Old Steine shows the 50-metre wheel towering over the city, as officials gear up to switch on the lights tomorrow evening.

Eastenders star Anita Dobson will begin the countdown to Christmas at 6pm.

The festival will be run by Brighton company E3 Events.

E3 Evants, based in Palmeira Square, is also behind the Brighton Half Marathon.

The company's founder, David Hill said: "This is going to be an absolutely amazing Christmas for Brighton and Hove.

"Christmas was effectively cancelled last year due to Covid, but we are planning something special for 2021.

"We are delighted to have secured a three-year contract to run the Brighton Christmas Festival - and now we want the city's people involved.

"There will be so much going on across Brighton and Hove, and the response so far has been fantastic.”

Trading Post Coffee Roasters, based in Sydney Street, has three artisan coffee shops in Brighton, and is one of many businesses thrilled to be involved in the festival.

Head of Wholesale Ryan Deol said: "The Brighton Christmas Festival is just what the city needs and will give us all a huge boost before, and indeed during, the festive period.

"Brighton and Hove really needs a happy and successful Christmas 2021, and this spectacular event will go a long way to achieving that goal.

"We are delighted to be involved and supporting the Christmas Festival, and are confident that it will be a huge success."