The city will be dressed in a sea of blue and white to celebrate Albion’s start in the UEFA Europa League.

Brighton’s well-known buildings, including the historic Royal Pavilion, will also take on a blue and white glow on match days.

Bunting started to go up over the weekend and Albion mascot Gully joined council leader Bella Sankey, Councillor Ty Goddard and Lord Bassam, to lend a hand.

The squad has qualified for Europe for the first time in the club’s history, after finishing sixth in the premier league earlier this year.

Albion skipper Lewis Dunk said: “As someone born in the city and now captain of the club, I am extremely proud of our achievement of playing in Europe for the first time.

"It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the club and Brighton and Hove and I’m sure the city will be buzzing when we stage our home games. I can’t wait.”

Businesses and residents have been encouraged by Brighton and Hove City Council to help ‘dress’ the city.

It is hoped that enough businesses will come forward to create a trail around the city and provide opportunities for fans to enter competitions and win Albion merchandise.

Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of the council, said: “We are thrilled and incredibly proud that Brighton and Hove Albion have qualified for the UEFA Europa league for the very first time in the club’s 122-year history.

“To help us to celebrate this historic achievement, we’re dressing the city in blue and white, and we’d love to see businesses and residents across the city get creative and dress their windows and public areas in blue and white too.

“It would be a wonderful way to show their support for our fantastic team. Up the Albion.”

The Seagulls’ success has brought a huge economic boost over the years, adding millions to the local economy.

And the promotion could see an extra £80 million for the city.

Councillor Ty Goddard, lead for economic development, said: “Europa League football represents a massive opportunity for both the club and city.

“A recent independent economic impact assessment, commissioned by Brighton and Hove Albion, reported that the club’s 2022/23 Premier League success contributed £595 million to the local economy.

“Competing in the UEFA Europa League could add a further £80 million next season.”

The report added that the Amex Stadium hosted more than 830 events in 2022/23 attracting 48,000 guests who contributed £3.5 million to other parts of the economy.

And last season, Albion games reached a televised audience of more than 83 million, including 75 million viewers from all over the world.

Councillor Goddard said: “A club saved by its fans, now gets to play on the European stage and we look forward to welcoming European teams and new fans to our city.”

An online guide for visiting away fans has been launched by VisitBrighton with details of how to get to the city and stadium, where to stay and how to enjoy everything Brighton and Hove has to offer.

Group stage matches will take place on:

September 21 – Albion vs AEK Athens

October 5 – Marseille vs Albion

October 26 – Albion vs AJAX

November 9 – AJAX vs Albion

November 30 – AEK Athens vs Albion

December 14 – Albion vs Marseille