Short story

Real Brighton

By Dominic De-Light

The dodgems bump. The rollercoaster swoops up and down, the teenage girls scream-m-m-m, boyfriends grit their teeth; they all enjoy the ride. The boards of the pier clack under foot. Arcade games ping, laughter bubbles from the pub and pop music blasts from the speakers. The pier stimulates every sense, just like Brighton itself.

For every attraction there is a resident. The daring, devil may care head to the enormous swing ride at the end of the pier. The sedate, lick an ice cream on the beach. The historically inclined visit the museum and the architecturally interested wander round the pavilion. Fresh air types head up to Devil's Dyke, and night owls haunt the clubs on Brighton seafront.

So many attractions, so many different types, in a city that feels like a town. Media folk sip cappuccinos in Hove , travellers park up in Patchum, holidaymakers head to the beach, Big Issue vendors sell them a magazine to read. Workers cycle to their jobs, their daily commute a picturesque ride along the seafront. The economically challenged and the antique dealer look for a bargain at the Sunday car boot. Millionaires Row over looks the beach where homeless people sleep.

A city of contrasts, but Brighton has a civic pride that few other places have. Those that don't like it, leave. Rarely is a bad word heard. People grumble about the council, the seagulls, and rising house prices but still they love to say they live in Brighton . A beautiful city, a great climate, diverse people. Tolerance, open mindedness, creativity. The city accepts you as you are whether celebrity millionaire or homeless junkie. Visitors come for a day and end up living here for years.

The city has its ups and downs like any rollercoaster. Sparkling lights and raucous fun draw eager eyes, few look at the inner workings or the underbelly. But all is integral to the city, without one there'd not be the other. To me this is the Real Brighton. People from all different types of life, rubbing up against each other; sparking ideas, friendships and sometimes conflict. All muddling along in this city by the sea. The blue sky, brown pebble beach and white Georgian houses, the backdrop to Brighton life. The city is a fairground: of people and ideas.