THE heating was set to extra warm on the i360 pod as 33 naked passengers took a flight wearing nothing but tinsel and Christmas hats.

The event was organised by Brighton Naked Bike Ride, with participants leaving their bikes – and their clothes – behind them for this festive reunion.

Nick Sayers, Brighton Naked Bike Ride co-organiser, said: “I was thrilled that Brighton Naked Bike Ride were treated to a clothes-free flight on the city’s iconic British Airways i360 in June and we were proud to appear as the back-side of the Brighton and Hove Calendar.

“It was fantastic to be invited back in December for a special Christmas reunion.

“Participants were very glad that the pod is well heated.

“I hope they’ll be inspired to join us for the bike ride in June.”

Those taking part appeared to enjoy the experience.

Hannah Doherty said: “I’ve never done a naked event before, but I really enjoyed the flight and felt it promoted body positivity.

“The photos have given me a fresh look at my own body and have helped me to see myself as I actually am.”

Fellow naked cyclist Robert Sanders said: “It was a slightly surreal and thoroughly enjoyable morning adventure.

“Sort of a naked Christmas episode of Doctor Who.”

Brighton Naked Bike Ride was first held in 2006 and is now an annual city tradition with a campaigning voice.

This summer, about 700 participants took to the city’s streets on two wheels with many of them also taking a naked flight on the seafront i360 pod.

The next Brighton Naked Bike Ride will take place on Sunday, June 9, 2019, aiming to promote environmental transport and to highlight how vulnerable cyslists are.

For further information please visit worldnakedbikeride.org/brighton