THE Christmas lights switch-on this year will be a less than sparkling affair.

Brilliant Brighton, which is responsible for the Christmas lights in Western Road, North Street, The Lanes, North Laine, East Street and Preston Street, has said there will not be a big stage show at the event this time.

Normally the company puts on a big spectacle for the festive occasion, with a special guest usually taking the reins to switch the lights on.

Last year the honour went to 15 year-old Jake Heal, who had raised more than £4,000 for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

He was joined by CBeebies presenter and Rockinghorse trustee Sid Sloane and Father Christmas.

However this year things will be more low key.

Gavin Stewart, chief executive of Brilliant Brighton, said: “It’s a financial decision mainly, because all the money that funds the event every year comes from businesses across the city centre.

“This year the board of directors took the decision that, because it’s the same lights that go up every year, we thought businesses could put the money towards something else.

“What we lose in the switch-on we will gain in the lights themselves, as money can go can go back in to fixing any issues.”

Mr Stewart said Brilliant Brighton is a private company, but it delivers services for the public.

He said: “There are 517 businesses under Brilliant Brighton.

“They put money into the pot for things like Christmas lights and hanging baskets and bunting in the summer.”

Mr Stewart said while there will not be the traditional big switch-on this year, there will be a small ceremony at 3.30pm on November 14, in East Street, to turn on the lights.

Residents reacted with disappointment to the news.

Nikki Twilley, 45, of Cranmer Avenue, Hove said: “Normally it’s a festive event to go out to which is free, so it’s sad news.

“It’s another thing that should be happening in Brighton, as we’re a city –just like the fact that we don’t have a proper swimming pool.

“Things like that are important for the public.”

Grace Thornton, 28, of Fourth Avenue, Hove said: “I think it’s sad.

“I’ve only lived here a year, but it’s a nice thing to do for the community.

“It feels like another thing that has been taken away, at a time when we should be coming together, given the general state of the country.”