Celebration

'It gave me a deeper connection with Brighton, a real sort of belonging. This is my community, this is what I'm doing, it really is my city ... the pride when I look back.'

Emma Skilton, in the Beating Time parade, 2000

Jubilees, coronations, New Year celebrations, carnivals and Brighton Festival have all produced days to remember and a strong sense of togetherness amongst Brighton's communities.

One of the town's most notable celebrations took place in 1887 when Brighton Corporation decided to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Festivities took place over two days and included sports events, illuminations and fireworks. It became the model for future events such as the 1928 Greater Brighton celebrations, which marked the incorporation of new localities within Brighton's boundaries.

A desire to promote the town's popularity as a resort saw Brighton hold its first carnival in 1922 and although the emphasis has now changed to raising money for charity, carnival continues to take place each year. These and other celebrations such as Pride, Burning of The Clocks and New Year continue to provide an opportunity for Brighton's communities to reflect on their collective spirit.