Artists from across the city have opened their homes for the return of an annual art festival.

The Artists Open Houses winter festival, now in its 41st year, has more than 60 homes open to the public to explore across Brighton and Hove, with neighbourhoods coming alive with arts and crafts displayed in the homes of artists.

The focus of this year’s winter festival is Christmas, with venues selling a range of artworks and handmade crafts as unique gifts.

Many homes are also offering a glass of something mulled and a chance to meet the maker.

Entry is free, with the festival taking place across three consecutive weekends until December 10 in homes from Portslade and Fiveways, to Seven Dials and Rottingdean.

Among those taking part in this year’s festival include contemporary artist Faye Bridgwater and crochet artist Kate Jenkins.

Judy Stevens, director of the festival, said: “We are delighted to launch this winter’s festival with some well-known houses returning for 2023, as well as a range of new venues to explore.

“This time of year in Brighton and Hove is always magical; as the cold weather arrives, the open houses provide a great opportunity to buy gifts for friends and family in the warmth of artists’ homes.

“It’s a great way to discover new arts and crafts from Sussex makers and meet members of the local creative community.

“We hope you will join us to visit open houses in your neighbourhood, as well as those further afield, and support our fantastic range of artists and makers across the city and beyond.”

As part of the event Charity Outside In will host an exhibition at the Hove Museum of Creativity in New Church Road featuring work from artists who have encountered "significant barriers to the art world."

The festival, which is free entry, takes place this weekend, as well as on December 2 and 3, and December 9 and 10.

A map of the festival can be found on the organisers’ website.