Alan Robins: Welcoming football fans to our great city

Now that Brighton and Hove Albion have reached the exalted heights of the Premiership, it is likely that our city will become one of the most popular destinations in the league for away supporters and their families to visit, and stay over if they can. So what is awaiting the fans when they come here?

Brighton and Hove is a compact city, easy to explore on foot, and with great public transport and a soon to be launched bikeshare scheme.

The city is an all year round attraction, with the beach itself, Brighton Palace Pier, the i360 and the new seafront zip wire – to name just a few highlights.

Hove seafront is famous for its colourful beach huts and wonderful Regency architecture.

We have an incredible array of restaurants, more than anywhere outside London, hundreds of pubs and clubs, and a nightlife second to none.

We have already hosted Manchester City fans, but for those coming in September – West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle – they can visit the Brighton Science Festival, the Fiery Food Festival, or the Colour Run. For those coming in October, time to see the Constable and Brighton exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery.

In November, Stoke and Crystal Palace can enjoy the Veteran Car Run or a Beer Tour. December’s visitors are Liverpool, Burnley and Watford – for them the Burning of the Clocks, pantomimes and Christmas shopping in the city’s big name and independent shops. In January next year, a last chance to see the Jane Austen exhibition.

In February, West Ham and Swansea supporters can visit the Tattoo Convention at the Brighton Centre or go to Brighton’s alternative panto “Snow White, Seven Poofs and a Piano”, and in March Arsenal and Leicester could catch the Icons of the 80s event. In April Huddersfield and Spurs fans could fit in a quick Brighton Marathon! In May Manchester United supporters will be in the city at the opening of the Brighton Festival and Fringe.

We will welcome fans and their families to our amazing city, and we hope that their visit here will be the first of many.

Alan Robins is a Labour councillor and the led member for economic development and culture on Brighton and Hove City Council.