Famous People

Brighton is known for its creative and artistic atmosphere so it is no surprise that famous people are drawn to the city-by-the-sea.

Below we highlight some of the most significant Brighton residents past and present:

Norman Cook / FatBoy Slim

The DJ made his name on the Brighton club scene and cemented his superstar status with his Big Beach Boutique gigs. Norman Cook is a fantastic ambassador for the city, frequently headlining Brighton Pride and being a proud supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion football club. Norman Cook is also one of the owners of the family friendly Big Beach Café at Hove Lagoon.

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Peter James

The bestselling crime writer's Roy Grace series of detective novels are all based in Brighton and Peter James works closely with the Sussex Police department while researching his novels. Fans can join the Walking Dead tour to see some of the sights featured in the Roy Grace stories.

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The Prince Regent

The Prince Regent (later George IV) is a key figure in Brighton's history as he gave us the fabulous Royal Pavilion. The Prince Regent put Brighton on the map as a place to come to escape the humdrum of everyday life and where else in England could you get away with building an Indian palace!

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Nick Cave

The Australian musician, songwriter, author, actor and screenwriter has lived in Brighton since the early 1980s.

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Raymond Briggs

The artist, writer and illustrator taught at Brighton Art College and his creation The Snowdog (from the Snowman and the Snowdog) will be celebrated at the Snowdogs by the Sea art trail in Autumn 2016.

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Dora Bryan

The comedic stage and screen actress lived in Brighton for many years and owned the Clarges Hotel. A blue plaque to the popular star was unveiled by Roy Hudd.

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Rudyard Kipling

The author of popular classics including The Jungle Book and the Just So stories as well as poems such as If... lived in the picturesque village of Rottingdean just on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove.

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Charles Dickens

The celebrated nineteenth century author wrote some of his classic novels including Dombey & Son and Bleak House whilst staying at the Bedford Hotel which is now the Holiday Inn Brighton-Seafront.

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Luke Cresswell

One of the co-creators of the global phenomenon STOMP which premiered at the Brighton Festival. Luke Creswell also owns the cultural venue The Old Market (also known as TOM).

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Chris Eubank

The former professional boxer is also the self-proclaimed 'Lord of the Manor of Brighton' having bought the title at an auction. Chris Eubank filmed a spoor trailer for 'Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank' at the YHA Brighton - the joke originated from the TV show I'm Alan Partridge staring Steve Coogan - another Brighton & Hove resident.

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Blue Plaques

While walking around Brighton & Hove look out for the commemorative Blue Plaques marking notable residents and landmark buildings. There are plaques for Charles Dickens; Dora Bryan; Terence Rattigan and the site of the first Body Shop.

If you would like to nominate a Blue Plaque then please contact the chair of the Brighton & Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel - Roger Amerena: roger.amerena@btinternet.com