Is there a better place to be on a Friday during a heatwave than at a lido in a British seaside town? That’s where almost 100 people working in heritage found themselves on Friday 26 June for our second Seaside Heritage Symposium.
In 2024, the Seaside Heritage Network and Historic Buildings & Places came together to hold their first seaside heritage symposium. People from coastal communities travelled to London for an inspiring day of sharing ideas, networking and spending time together. The day was such a success that we decided the only thing missing was the seaside itself. This year, we all headed to Saltdean Lido in Brighton. This beautifully restored Art Deco lido provided the perfect setting for a day dedicated to the seaside.
In the ballroom overlooking the pool, families splashed and swam, enjoying one of the hottest days of the year, while we sat in welcome air-conditioned comfort to think together about the future of our seaside heritage. Our opening session explored the current realities facing coastal communities, the importance of the seaside in Britain’s heritage, and the economic challenges facing many tourist destinations. Our keynote speaker then took us through the changes taking place in Brighton, the city’s plans for the future, and how it is embracing every aspect of its heritage to remain a thriving place to live in and visit.
After a magnificent lunch, enjoyed on the terrace to the sound of people laughing and splashing in the pool, it was time to hear a series of inspiring case studies. From individual buildings and historic piers to whole towns, speakers shared how they are working to protect and celebrate their heritage, often in the face of significant challenges.
One of the best parts of the day was simply seeing everyone together. Working in seaside heritage can often feel isolating, with people spread across the country and far from others doing similar work. The symposium created a real sense of community, bringing together people who understood each other’s challenges and could share ideas, experiences and encouragement.
As the formal programme came to an end, everyone gathered on the terrace for a drink before enjoying fish and chips, kindly supported by Heritage Network. We then took them down to the beach, where we rounded off the day with one of the most memorable, relaxed and enjoyable networking events I have attended.
Throughout the day, people kept asking about our plans for future symposiums. Although this was only the second event, there is clearly a real appetite for this kind of gathering. The people working to care for our seaside heritage are doing remarkable things. They deserve the chance to come together by the sea to celebrate their achievements, learn from one another and build lasting connections.
Words by:
Liz Power, Director, HB&P
