Michelle Collins

Actress, Michelle Collins, Santa and Annabel Giles will be celebrating the turning on of the Christmas lights in St. James's Street and George Street, Brighton this Friday (27). The Argus Appeal bus will be there along with a Santa's Grotto and various children's characters.

Businesses and residents working together in the St. James's Area Action Group have purchased the lights for use in future years, along with infrastructure and fitting. Businesses have provided most of the money with Starbucks being the major sponsor donating £3,000.

Zoe Delacata, who chairs the St. James's Area Businesses Group, said:
"There have been attempts to do this before but it says a lot about the community spirit here that this is finally being achieved. I hope people will come along to enjoy the evening and to re-discover what a lovely area this is to shop in. The Aids memorial is now up and shops will be selling black cotton bags, with the St.James's logo, that will raise funds for the memorial fund."

Chris Cooke, who chairs the St.James's Local Action Team said:
"The area has had its problems in the past but with businesses and residents working together with the Police and City Council a lot of the problems are being tackled. There is a determination here to celebrate everything that is good about the local area."

This Thursday (26) sees the launch of Aids memorial Cotton Bags at 10am, at Yummy Stuff in George Street. Aids memorial sculptor, Romany Mark Bruce, will be there to launch the sale of the black cotton bags. The bags cost £1.50 - the production costs are £1 with the other 50p going to the Aids memorial fund. Shops will make no money from their sale.