HUNDREDS of people enjoyed the opening night of Brighton’s Christmas Market on Friday as former EastEnders star Anita Dobson switched on the lights to kick off the festivities.

On what was a chilly night in Brighton, crowds of people explored the city’s festive market at Old Steine and Valley Gardens.

The market has more than 80 stalls selling a wide range of products, from winter clothes to traditional mulled wine and even oysters.

Anita, who starred in the popular soap in the 1980s, came on stage shortly after 6pm to switch on the lights for the market.

The 72-year-old was accompanied by the Rock Choir, led by their conductor, Charlotte Nash, who sang a mixture of Christmas songs and more recent pop hits such as Robbie Williams’ Angels.

The lights, which stretched from the stage to the tree, were dedicated to Sue Addis, the owner of Donatello, who died in January. There is also a plaque underneath the tree with a tribute to her.

The Argus: The tree lit up in memory of Sue AddisThe tree lit up in memory of Sue Addis

The 35-strong choir even had a woman doing sign language throughout the five-song performance.

Throughout the evening, people were seen enjoying festive drinks and chatting away.

Bar Dionysus was one of many stalls selling mulled wine, but the only one selling oysters.

Rob Templeton and Kev Rocknean were selling their secret recipe mulled wine as well as offering people the opportunity to try one oyster at a time, if they were feeling brave.

The Argus: From left, Rob Templeton and Kev Rocknean selling their mulled wine and oystersFrom left, Rob Templeton and Kev Rocknean selling their mulled wine and oysters

Kev said: “We do festivals and things like that but this is one of our first big events since Covid.”

The market features a number of attractions including an illuminated ferris wheel, costing £10 for adults and £7.50 for children.

Despite Storm Arwen forcing the festival to close on the Saturday, it is now back open until December 31.

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