FEATURE
The Great
BRITISH SEASIDE
RENAISSANCE
by Reshma Madhi
Amusement arcades, candyfloss, sandcastles, fish ‘n’ chip shops, summer holidays, traffic jams, sunshine and rain.
The British seaside experience is unique and immediately conjures up memories of childhood. Many classic seaside
towns still retain traditions and landscapes from years gone by, and many fell into decline as holidaymakers
abandoned them for cheap package holidays during the latter part of the last century. Despite that though, Brits
have held onto their long love-affair with the coast. It’s that sense of nostalgia and kitsch yesteryear that has been
part of the reason the British seaside has been hailed as being back in vogue in recent years.
Could this seaside renaissance help revitalise these towns and their communities?