Brighton's North Laine Celebrates 50 Years

It is hard to imagine Brighton without the vibrant, independent charm of the North Laine. This week marks a massive milestone for the area as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. To honour half a century of saving this colourful quarter from the bulldozers, a special exhibition titled 'North Laine at 50' has just opened at the Jubilee Library on Jubilee Street. Running daily from Tuesday 14 July 2026 until Sunday 19 July 2026, the free exhibition offers a fascinating look back at how this beloved neighbourhood transformed from threatened industrial plots into the bohemian heart of the city.

Curated by Sue Delafons from the North Laine Community Association (NLCA), the exhibition features giant window displays facing Jubilee Square alongside detailed panels in the library foyer. Visitors can explore an illustrated timeline tracing the area's history from its 18th-century market gardens through to its mid-20th-century decline and subsequent regeneration. The displays draw on historical photographs from the Regency Society's James Gray collection and highlight local stories, such as that of 19th-century Marlborough Place shoemaker Jane Ovendon. Alongside the visual history, the exhibition offers interactive elements including a quiz, a video, and free guided tour leaflets for those wanting to explore the streets themselves.

The story of how the North Laine survived is a dramatic one. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the area was slated for demolition to make way for a large flyover and high-rise developments. It was Borough Planning Officer Ken Fines who helped save the neighbourhood by championing its historic character, reviving the old Sussex dialect name 'laine'—which refers to an open tract of agricultural land—and securing its conservation status in 1977. Following a public meeting in January 1976, the NLCA was formed to protect the area. To mark this 50-year journey, the association has also launched a new 180-page book, 'The Best of 50 Years of the North Laine Runner', edited by Kim Curran, which compiles decades of community stories and is available at local spots like the Brighton Toy Museum and Infinity Foods.

While the exhibition at Jubilee Library is a great starting point, the best way to experience the legacy of the North Laine is by wandering its pedestrianised streets. From the bustling Saturday flea market on Upper Gardner Street to long-standing institutions like Snoopers Paradise on Kensington Gardens, the area remains a stronghold for independent culture. You can grab a coffee at Trading Post Coffee Roasters, browse the shelves at Bert's Homestore, or visit the Brighton Toy and Model Museum on Trafalgar Street, which actually hosted the official anniversary launch party earlier this year. Whether you are a lifelong resident or just visiting, the exhibition and the surrounding streets offer a great opportunity to appreciate the community effort that kept this unique part of Brighton alive.