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Brighter Brighton 40 Years On

Brighton Festival is 40 years old this May (6-28th). So here are 40 reasons to join in the fun.

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To celebrate Brighton Festival's 40th Birthday this May (6th - 28th), Below are just forty reasons why you should visit Brighton - city by the sea.

Must visit events...

1. The Brighton Arts Festival - celebrating its 40th birthday in May 2006, Britain's largest arts festival boasts five UK premieres and eight world premieres, including a World Exclusive performance from the 'Lost & Found Orchestra' created by the production company behind Stomp!

2. Paramount Brighton Comedy Festival - five years old, the October Paramount Brighton Comedy festival attracts the gems of the comedy circuit and this year hosts performances from Ross Noble and Jimmy Carr to name just a few!

3. Brighton Food & Drink Festival - opening with an extravagant gala of activity at the Marina, the month long September festival celebrates the very best of Sussex food and drink. Activities over the course of the month include a Royal Banquet at the Royal Pavilion, a must visit Farmers Market and Bar Idol!

4. Artists Open Houses - a fantastic way to see the artistic offering from Brighton. Over 100 houses are involved in the many scheduled tours, showcasing local amateur and professional artists' work and offering you the opportunity to not only see and purchase the art on display but also chat with the artists themselves.

A historic city...

5. Shoreham Airport - the oldest licensed airfield in the UK, has a beautiful Grade II listed art deco style Terminal Building and appears in the long awaited Da Vinci Code movie as one of the French airports.

6. The Royal Pavilion - a true example of Regency style and culture, George IV's beautiful home is a must visit for anyone interested in history, culture and extravagant interiors! Fantastic tour guides are available to bring George VI and his luxury decor to life.

7. The Fishing Museum - offering an insight in to the bygone days of Brighton's Fishing industry, the fishing museum is home to the annual Mackerel Fair and blessing of the nets on May 21st.

8. The Brighton Pier - built from 1891 to 1899 and rated as one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions, attracting over 2 million visitors a year the Brighton Pier has numerous attractions including arcades, rides, funfair, fortune-tellers, restaurants, bars, bingo hall and a nightclub.

9. Volks Railway - Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883, running for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. With trains every 15 minutes it's the perfect way to see Brighton seafront

10. Theatre Royal - dating back almost 200 years, this beautiful Grade II listed building with West End plays, comedies, musicals and a spectacular Christmas panto, offers the best theatrical programme on the South Coast.

11. Preston Manor - experience the charms of this delightful Edwardian Manor House, dating from 1250, rebuilt in 1738 and added to in 1905. Explore more than 20 rooms over four floors containing notable collections of furniture, portraits, silver and family memorabilia.

12. The Cricketers - Brighton's oldest pub, dating back to the sixteenth century and originally patronised by Brighton's fishermen, the familiar cosy pub atmosphere, good range of beers and wine and great pies make this a popular spot for locals and visitors.

Culture, culture everywhere...

13. Jongleberry Playhouse - Quality entertainment and food with attitude under one roof in the heart of Brighton. Sky lit ground floor caf? restaurant and magical cabaret bar with nightly jazz, flamenco and comedy. Table service, global tapas and of course champagne.

14. Audio tours - three audio walks - A Flavour of the Lanes, Around the Royal Pavilion and North Laine, the Twittens and Regency Brighton - allow you to explore the city's top attractions at your own pace, whilst listening to an interesting and informative commentary. The VisitBrighton audio walking tours are available to download from Visitbrighton.com, or for hire on an MP3 player from Brighton Visitor Information Centre for ?6 per half day.

15. Duke of York's Cinema - The oldest cinema in Britain, this Grade II listed building shows a mixture of classic, contemporary, independent and foreign language films.

16. Brighton Centre - The Brighton Centre, heralded in 1977 as one of Europe's premier venues, continues to celebrate years of successful events management. Recent acts to appear include The Kaiser Chiefs and Little Britain.

17. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery - a ?10 million redevelopment has transformed Brighton Museum into a state-of-the-art visitor attraction. Dynamic and innovative galleries - including fashion and style, 20th century art and design, and world art. 14th April to September 3rd 2006 will see the first major retrospective to bring together the work of Rex Whistler through The Triumph of Fancy, researched and devised by Stephen Calloway, author and curator at the V&A.

18. O Contemporary - Brighton's biggest and most dynamic commercial art gallery hosts an exciting exhibition programme of original works of art by modern masters and new contemporary painters. Artists exhibiting this year include Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Ross Holden and Takashi Murakami.

19. Artist's Quarter - the best place to pick up a unique piece of art, Brighton's artists make and sell unique souvenirs and gifts in converted fisherman's quarters.

20. Komedia - stylish entertainment centre for all in the heart of Brighton's North Laine. With an exciting all-year programme of theatre, comedy, cabaret, jazz and world music plus great bars and food, Komedia offers a unique mix of dining out and live entertainment.

21. Gay Scene - the gay scene is Brighton is vibrant and thriving and the city is well known for being the 'gay capital of the south' with the annual Gay Pride festival, the largest and most successful in Europe.

22. Brighton Dome - a brilliant entertainment venue and unique centre for conferences. Brighton Dome is part of the historic Pavilion Estate and hosts a packed, year round programme of live music, dance, theatre, comedy and family events.

Shopper's paradise...

23. The Lanes - wander through the 17th century Brighton Lanes an intricate maze of twisting alleyways, hidden squares, elegant arcades and winding passageand pick up ideas for jewellery, designer clothes, interior design, perfumes, hats and shoes or relax alfresco in Brighton Square.

24. The North Laine - with a laid-back bohemian charm and over 300 unique, individual and quirky shops, a fantastic redevelopment programme has seen the introduction of the new Jubilee library, Yo! Sushi, Carluccio's Cafe and is soon to be completed by an ultra modern myhotel in 2007.

25. High Street - Churchill Square has over 80 stores high street favourites under one roof and bargain hunters can visit the indoor and outdoor antique and flea markets across the city.

26. Brighton Marina - enjoy the ultimate outlet shopping experience and take time to enjoy the fantastic entertainment available at the 8-screen cinema, 26-lane bowling alley and casino - fishing, diving, sailing and boat trips are also available. After an action packed day ensure that you relax in one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes.

27. Choccywoccydoodah - an art and design focused choclateire; Choccywoccydoodah is the chocolate shop you have to visit. Displaying unbelievable bespoke chocolate cakes, one-off sculptured fantasies, bespoke wedding cakes, gifts, birthday cakes, slabs of marbled chocolate and fantasy pets - all in chocolate.

A bite to eat...

28. Bills restaurant - recently named best newcomer by the Observer Food Monthly Awards, Bill's is a unique cafe and produce store offering a wonderful shopping and eating environment, incorporating a cafe, fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, groceries, hampers, and an outside catering and delivery service all under one roof.

29. Terre a Terre - the ultimate vegetarian restaurant. Dining at Terre ? Terre is a culinary experience like no other, with intense flavours, sublime textures and a combination of ingredients that few have the imagination or daring to put together.

30. Momma Cherri's - one of Brighton's best known restaurants thanks to Gordon Ramsey, Momma Cherri's is Brighton's only American Soul food restaurant, offering genuine home cooked food, seasoned with the best soul music and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

31. English's Seafood & Oyster Bar - one of the oldest and most well-known restaurants on the South Coasts, English's has been serving seafood to Brighton's residents and visitors for over 150 years.

A place to stay...

32. Drakes Hotel - a perfect blend of classic Regency style and contemporary luxury, this independently owned, 20-bedroom hotel is perfectly positioned on Brighton's seafront and prides itself on impeccable service.

33. The Grand - the only 5* hotel in Brighton, the DeVere Grand is steeped in history and offers the very best in luxury accommodation.

34. Alias Hotel Seattle - situated at the water's edge of Brighton marina, the Alias Hotel Seattle offers peace and tranquillity with stunning views. Enjoy king size leather beds, monsoon showers and luxurious robes. Relax at Black & White cocktail bar, the Saloon, or buzzing Cafe Paradiso.

35. The Paramount Old Ship - dating back in parts to 1559, the Paramount Old Ship is the oldest hotel in Brighton and stands proudly on Brighton's seafront. From its magnificent white fa?ade to contemporary modern reception area, the hotel prides itself on excellent customer service in comfortable relaxed surroundings.

36. The White House - a small elegant Regency residence in the heart of Kemp Town only 100 metres from the seafront. There are sea views from the south facing rooms and a courtyard garden where guests may sit and relax. All rooms have been uniquely decorated and the atmosphere is both friendly and relaxed.

Attractions

37. The South Downs - comprised of the East Hampshire and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and covering an area of 1366 sq km running from Eastbourne to Winchester - the South Downs is only 10 minutes from Brighton and the ideal place to visit for a country walk and a pub lunch.

38. Brighton Sea Life Centre - offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 57 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family! A show piece of Victorian splendor and as the oldest operating aquarium in the world, it is also considered to be the best!

39. The Toy Museum - located underneath the arches at Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton toy museum holds a veritable treasure trove with over 10,000 toys and models on display with a priceless model train collection and many period antique toys.

40. The Beach - Brighton boasts five miles of pebbled beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun, taking leisurely walks or as the perfect backdrop for an energising run

www.Visitbrighton.com

8 May 2006

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