Join us for a full day exploring the cultural, economic and community value of seaside heritage at the iconic Saltdean Lido on Friday 26 June 2026.
The Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium is jointly organised by Seaside Heritage Network, Historic Buildings & Places, and Heritage Network.
Bringing together heritage professionals, policymakers, practitioners, academics and coastal stakeholders, the day will examine how seaside heritage contributes to regeneration, tourism, identity and long-term sustainability.
General Admission Ticket: £38, book below.
From defining seaside heritage and considering its global significance, to exploring funding routes and practical case studies, the symposium offers evidence-led insight and cross-sector discussion in a unique seaside setting.
BOOKINGS WILL CLOSE ON 1 JUNE 2026.
10.00 Tea / Coffee
10.30 Welcome
Liz Power, Historic Buildings & Places
Charlotte Tomlinson, Heritage Network
Session 1 – Chair: Liz Power, Historic Buildings & Places
10.40 – What is Seaside Heritage?
Kathryn Ferry, Chair, Seaside Heritage Network
11.00 – The Seaside as World Heritage
Allan Brodie, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
11.20 – Understanding the Economic and Tourism Value of Seaside Heritage
Samantha Richardson, National Coastal Tourism Academy
11.40 – Comfort break
Session 2 – Chair: Charlotte Tomlinson, Heritage Network
11.50 – Keynote
The Rt Hon. the Lord Bassam of Brighton
12.20 –AHF: Lessons from 50 Years of Investing in Seaside Heritage Projects
Matthew McKeague, Architectural Heritage Fund
12.50 – Lunch and Networking
13.30 – Adding Value Panel
Chaired by Dr Anya Chapman, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
Owain Lloyd-Jones, Head of Local Government and Communities, Historic England
Alistair Upton, Chief Executive, Creative Folkestone
Christian Skelton, Selsey Pavilion Trust
Cllr Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Brighton and Hove City Council
Catherine Mugonyi, Aunty Social, Blackpool
14.30 – Tea / Coffee
14.45 – Evidence Session
Chaired by Dr Duncan Light, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
Derek Leaver, Chair, Saltdean Lido
Rob Kenyon, Ramsgate Heritage Lab
Stuart Wood, The Cleethorpes Promenados
Rachel Lewis, North Somerset Council
16.10 – Questions and closing remarks
Liz Power, Historic Buildings & Places
16.30 – Close
Opportunity to swim at Saltdean Lido or continue networking
17.30 – Chips and Chat Networking event on the beach
Hosted by Heritage Network, supported by Historic England
Please note that timings may be subject to change.
Please check back for more information about speakers.
Liz Power, Historic Buildings & Places
Charlotte Tomlinson, Heritage Network
Kathryn Ferry, Chair, Seaside Heritage Network
Allan Brodie, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
Samantha Richardson, National Coastal Tourism Academy
The Rt Hon. the Lord Bassam of Brighton
Matthew McKeague, Architectural Heritage Fund
Dr Anya Chapman, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
Owain Lloyd-Jones, Historic England
Alistair Upton, Creative Folkestone
Christian Skelton, Selsey Pavilion Trust
Birgit Miller, Brighton and Hove City Council
Catherine Mugonyi, Aunty Social, Blackpool
Dr Duncan Light, Bournemouth University and Seaside Heritage Network
Derek Leaver, Saltdean Lido
Rob Kenyon, Ramsgate Heritage Lab
Stuart Wood, Cleethorpes Promenados
Venue
The symposium takes place at Saltdean Lido, one of Britain’s most celebrated Art Deco coastal landmarks. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore the site and may book to swim in the pool following the event (swimming tickets must be booked separately via the Lido).
Venue Address: Saltdean Lido, Saltdean Park Road, Saltdean, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 8SP.
Accessibility
Saltdean Lido offers:
• Lift access (glass lift with handrails)
• Step-free access throughout the building
• Two large accessible toilets (one downstairs, one upstairs)
• Guide dogs welcome
• Quiet space available
• Card, cash and contactless payments accepted (including Amex)
• Free drinking water available
There are no dedicated disabled parking spaces.
The nearest Changing Places toilet is located at Centenary Park, Peacehaven:
https://www.changing-places.org/find
The venue is easy to find and clearly signposted.
If you have specific access requirements, please contact us in advance.
We are grateful to VisitBrighton for supporting this event by providing special accommodation rates for delegates, as well as exclusive offers at selected food, beverage and activity venues.
Links to these offers will be included in the confirmation email sent to delegates once a ticket has been purchased.
On Saturday 27 June, Seaside Heritage Network will host optional walking tours. These are bookable separately via the Seaside Heritage Network website.
Modernism on Sea
Ovingdean, Rottingdean and Saltdean
With Professor Fred Gray
11.00–13.00
Please note: this walk includes a very steep flight of stairs and is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. Assistance dogs only.
Layers of Seaside Heritage
Exploring the Royal Pavilion area
With Dr Sue Berry FSA, FRHistS
10.00–10.50
This tour explores the evolution of Brighton’s early resort development from the 1750s to c.1820. Notes will be provided.
If you would like to swim at Saltdean Lido during your visit, please check the Lido website for swimming times. June booking slots will be released closer to the date.
Refunds are available for cancellations made before 21st May 2026.
Image Credit: Ellen Richardson
Image Credit: Andy Kerr
Image Credit: Ellen Richardson
Saltdean Lido
The Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium is jointly hosted by Seaside Heritage Network, Historic Buildings & Places, and Heritage Network.
This event is kindly being supported by VisitBrighton and Historic England.
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