Firstly can we have a massive round of applause for the
Metro for shoving Bristol's 'Best City To Live In The UK' award somewhere dark and unpleasant. And secondly, let's have a cheer for everyone who has previously upped sticks to Brighton, the most amazing sought after seaside metropolitan city, EVER (yes, this is Brighton's official title). As a company set up by two Brighton graduates in 1997, we at GRB are very proud of our prime location in Central Brighton. But now it's your turn, and here's why...
1. Our culture celebrations are brilliant
Second to Edinburgh, our city's art and culture festival is the biggest of its kind in the UK and our Fringe Festival is the second biggest in the world. Plus, The Great Escape Festival is Europe's leading new music festival and it's located in Brighton. There are famous traditions that you must see, like Burning Of The Clocks, Paddle Around The Pier or vintage car rallies of all kinds. We also have a Marathon and the London to Brighton bike ride wins us plenty of visitors.
2. Our paper, The Argus, is the best
Even
Buzzfeed have posted all about the iconic and controversial headlines from our 134 year-old local paper. Our favourites include: 'Window Cleaner Killed By Giant Pencil', 'Postman Beaten By Lavender Bush' or 'Twelve Remain Dead In Morgue Fire.'
3. We have the sea, duh
And not just the beautiful sea, but a pebbly beach too - perfect for a BBQ. Plus, along the seafront is a plethora of clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as a volleyball club, a few gyms and lots of brightly coloured beach huts.
4. Our inhabitants are fun and quirky
You can always spot someone embracing Brighton's homegrown quirkiness; they'll probably be rollerblading, or on a segway wearing clashing bright colours and maybe with a finely groomed moustache. And with all the hipster cafes and shops, you'll never feel out of place wearing a bow-tie or on a bike made of wicker.
5. Our LGBTQ community is booming
Last Saturday (March 29th), at 12.01am, the first same-sex marriage in the UK was held in Brighton. That's just one minute after it became legal, and they were wed outside Brighton's most iconic landmark, the Royal Pavilion. Not only that, but Brighton's Pride celebration attracts over 100,000 visitors every year and sees the city covered in rainbow flags, owing to its unofficial title as the 'gay capital of the UK' or 'the UK's answer to San Francisco'.
6. We're very close to London
Hence we have plenty of London-working commuters living by the seaside and taking the mere hour train trip to Central London. We're close enough for a shopping trip in the capital, or we act as a great weekend getaway for the fog-dwellers.
7. We're soon to become the UK's tech hub
Move aside London, because with our 1,500 established tech businesses, plans for the Greater Brighton City Deal have been unveiled including a £170 million investment and over 8,500 jobs. Comparisons have even been made between us and LA's Silicon Beach.
8. Film history of Brighton
Remember Quadrophenia? It's all about the mod scene in Brighton and is a great film. What about Brighton Rock or London To Brighton? Also good films set in a fantastic city. What tops that is in fact the first ever silent comedy film was shot in Brighton, the first high street roll film camera shop was in Brighton, one of the first movie studios and lastly head over to The Duke of York's cinema, the longest standing purpose built cinema in Britain.
9. We have one and a half piers
Not only do we have the fun and albeit touristy Palace Pier near the centre of town, the West Pier is still a glorious landmark, even if it did burn down in 2003. The charred remains are still a popular photography point, while the functioning Palace Pier is full of arcades and rides for your enjoyment.
10. So many shops, not enough time
Head down to The North Laine for a smorgasbord of second-hand clothes, vintage furniture, or handmade jewellery or arts and crafts. The independent business culture is huge and to be admired as a statement of Brighton culture.
11. Check out our famous art and graffiti
Banksy's already made his mark with the famous 'Kissing Policemen' piece, while the intricate and vibrantly decorated streets of the North Laines are always a popular attraction. There's also the famous 'Kiss Wall' and seaside sculptures like 'Afloat' or the Aids Memorial Sculpture.
12. We have our own unique alcohol
That's right, we have exclusively adopted the vanilla and orangey liqueur Tuaca, which you just have to try! Plus, Sussex Ale is scrumptious and the county town of sussex just outside of Brighton called Lewes (pronounced 'loo-wis' for you outsiders) has its own brewery producing Harvey's Ale. So it's time to move, live, work and party in Brighton:
Work For GRB!!
