CHRISTMAS lights have begun to be put up across the city ahead of the festive season.

A highways maintenance team was seen in Bond Street in Brighton last night putting up some of the decorations, with illuminations of reindeer, owls and Christmas presents.

The team was seen using an aerial platform to help install the lights across the road.

It comes as festive items and Christmas cards begin to appear in shops across the city.

Last year’s Christmas lights were switched on by BBC Radio Sussex’s Allison Ferns, alongside actor Carl Tracey.

The event was the first of its kind since the pandemic, with hundreds gathering in East Street to enjoy Christmas music.

New lights, designed by Brighton street artists, were lit up along North Street and Western Road for last year’s festive season, which included a toy robot walking past a stereo, a reindeer lit up in different colours, and an alien wearing a Santa hat.

The lights are organised by Brilliant Brighton, a collection of more than 500 businesses within the city’s Business Improvement District.