On Saturday 19th November, Brilliant Brighton (a not-for-profit organisation formed of 517 city centre businesses who collectively come together to put on projects, including lighting up the city at Christmas with festive lighting) is hosting a city centre-wide festive event between 2-6pm with choirs and entertainment throughout Brilliant Brighton to kick off the celebratory period and get residents and visitors alike in the festive spirit.
Choirs and brass bands will be performing traditional and contemporary classics throughout The Lanes, North Laine and Western Road, while Santa’s elves will be visiting businesses throughout the afternoon spreading joy and giving out a few goodies. Brighton & Hove Buses’ Santa Bus – with Santa aboard- will also be making appearances between 4pm and 6pm driving along Western Road, North Street and Preston Street.
Barclays on North Street will also be celebrating with a very special visit from the Barclays Premier League Trophy in the branch for photo opportunities with football fans between 10am-3:15pm.
The afternoon also celebrates the launch of Brilliant Brighton’s window dressing competition, with businesses’ windows unveiled under the theme ‘festively fabulous’. The competition welcomes people to vote on their favourite window design between 19th Nov and Sat 31st Dec, with one voter chosen at random, and the most voted for business both winning £150, further adding to the festivities.
To add to the Christmassy atmosphere, Brilliant Brighton’s Christmas lights (paid for by the 517 Brilliant Brighton businesses, at a cost of £100,000 per year), will also be switched-on late afternoon, adding a magical backdrop to the festive event across the city centre.
The festive lights scheme (which change every five years, due to costs) featuring street art-inspired lights – designed by Brighton street artists, Bintley, Mowgli and Sinna One – will light up North Street and Western Road, while lights celebrating the uniqueness of North Laine add sparkle to Bond Street, Gardner Street and Kensington Gardens; and more traditional lighting will give a magical, festive feeling to The Lanes, East Street, Preston Street and Brighton’s iconic Clock Tower.
Shelley Welti, Marketing & Events Manager for Brilliant Brighton said: “We’re really excited to get shoppers, and those heading out for meals, coffees and drinks feeling festive with a wonderful afternoon celebrating the start of the season! From the beautiful voices of our local choirs filling the streets, to the launch of our eye-catching window dressing competition, elves popping up across the city centre, Brighton & Hove Buses adding further joy to Preston Street, North Street and Western Road with their wonderful Santa Bus, and of course, the Brilliant Brighton Christmas lights adding further sparkle to proceedings, we really hope it’ll be a lovely way to start the celebrations!”
Ed Wills, managing director of Brighton & Hove Buses said: “We are absolutely delighted for our Santa Bus to be taking part in the Brilliant Brighton festive event this year, especially as our travel shop on North Street is one of the 517 businesses who are all helping to fund the lighting. What a great way to brighten up the centre of the city and spread some festive cheer.”
The big man himself, Santa Claus also added: “On the 19th of November I shall be hopping onboard my Brighton & Hove Buses Santa Bus and driving through the city centre to share a huge, jolly Ho Ho Ho with each and every one of you. Why not come along and give all my little helpers, and I, a festive, cheery wave?”
See more about the festive afternoon and Festively Fabulous window dressing competition by visiting: www.brilliantbrighton.com and keeping an eye on our social media over the coming weeks!
