Alan Robins: Visitor numbers are up in Brighton and Hove

There has been 61,000 visitors to the Brighton Museum, 27 per cent more than last year, and I expect many people were coming to visit the Constable in Brighton exhibition. Hopefully they will return for many more visits.

There has also been a six per cent increase in people coming to see the fantastic Royal Pavilion, with a higher proportion of overseas visitors this year. Many people will have wanted to see the Jane Austen by the Sea exhibition, which opened in June and is running until January. Both these exhibitions are part of an amazing Regency Season at the Royal Pavilion and Museums, exploring what life was like in Brighton and Hove in the early 1800s – for residents and visitors to the town. You can find interesting posts and fascinating pictures online as part of the Regency Season, and I would encourage everyone who loves the city and its history to visit the Royal Pavilion and Museums this autumn.

Other highlights for tourism and culture include the Royal Pavilion ice rink which returns to the city on November 4, and you can see the preparations for that taking place at the moment. It will be open until January 14, so don’t forget to book your tickets.

You will be pleased to know that planning committee has agreed that the ice rink can come back for the next six years, which is really great news. I am sure we all agree with Cllr Cattell, chair of planning, when she said that the ice rink does really add a seasonal sparkle to the city.

Finally, please don’t forget to look up the Madeira Terraces campaign. This is a crowdfunding campaign being led by Visit Brighton to help kick-start the rebuilding of the Madeira Terraces. It already has well over 1,000 backers, but the campaign still needs your help if the city is going to be able to save this iconic part of our history. The Terraces have been a backdrop to so many films and wonderful events. Let’s show exactly what people power can do in Brighton and Hove. To find out more, visit: www.savemadeiraterrace.org

Alan Robins is a Labour councillor and lead member for tourism on Brighton and Hove City Council.