IT WAS another difficult year. But though so much has been lost over the last two years, people are still hopeful that 2022 will be full of hope and promise.

We faced yet more lockdowns, restrictions preventing us from hugging our loved ones, going on our hard-earned holidays, running our businesses, having a swift pint at our local and many other challenges throughout the year, all thanks to Covid-19.

The Argus: Sophie and Miles at Brighton Palace PierSophie and Miles at Brighton Palace Pier

And with the arrival of the Omicron variant and more restrictions potentially on the horizon, the pandemic still seems far from over.

The Argus asked revellers in Brighton city centre on New Year’s Eve what they were hoping the new year would bring.

Sophie and Miles were having a few drinks on Brighton Palace Pier to mark the end of 2021.

The Argus: Michelle Sanchez and Matt Colligan at the Zip Bar, BrightonMichelle Sanchez and Matt Colligan at the Zip Bar, Brighton

Miles told The Argus he is looking forward to “getting rid of Covid” in 2022.

Michelle Sanchez and Matt Colligan are marking the new year at the Zip Bar at the Brighton Zip in Madeira Drive.

Like so many, Matt said he is hoping for an end to the pandemic in the new year, with Michelle looking forward to seeing more of her family in 2022.

Erica and Liz spent New Year’s Eve watching skaters go by at the ice rink at the Royal Pavilion.

Liz said she hoping to be able to travel in the new year and that 2022 will bring an end to the pandemic.

The Argus: Erica and Liz at the ice rink at the Royal PavilionErica and Liz at the ice rink at the Royal Pavilion

Many people marked the new year at clubs and pubs across the city - after months of forced closures.

Millie Fringe said she was looking forward to a fun night with “memories that will last years”.

She said: “We’re going to party until midnight. We will isolate if we end up testing positive but we are the generation that has taken lateral flow tests every week.”

The Argus: Steve and Mandy at Brighton Christmas FestivalSteve and Mandy at Brighton Christmas Festival

Her friend Adam Lindridge said he hopes to go out and about more in the new year.

Steve and Mandy soaked in the atmosphere at the Christmas festival in Valley Gardens as 2021 comes to a close.

Steve also hopes for more consistency from government in their messaging on Covid.

The Argus: Millie Fringe (far left) and Adam Lindridge (grey jumper)Millie Fringe (far left) and Adam Lindridge (grey jumper)

Mandy says he hopes the new year will bring some peace after two years dominated by the pandemic and called on people to “look for the positives” after a challenging year for many.

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