Thousands flock to free event at Brighton's Royal Pavilion

Royal Pavilion and Museums' staff at the annual Royal Pavilion Free Day. Photo by Steve Dyson

Visitors queued patiently in the rain on Sunday (January 15) and took the opportunity to have a look around the city’s most famous landmark.

Janita Bagshawe, head of Royal Pavilion and Museums, said: “It was great to see how popular our Royal Pavilion Free Day was, with visitor numbers up by around 500 on last year to 3628.

“The day was extended to Brighton Museum this year, which was also extremely popular with visitors; both events also encourage more visits from Brighton & Hove residents, who get discounted admission to the Royal Pavilion and free access to Brighton Museum all year round with proof of residency.”

Duty Manager Mark Ansty as George IV by Steve Dyson

The event marked the purchase of the Royal Pavilion by the town of Brighton in 1850,

Staff looked resplendent in Regency garb, including a suitably regal King George IV, and told tales of life in the pavilion.

Nicki Carter, retail and visitor services manager, said: “Our free day this year surpassed all expectations and really rewarded the hard work everyone put into it.

“It’s an initiative planned and delivered by Royal Pavilion and Museums’ frontline staff, and their willingness to go the extra mile made for a brilliant day for thousands of local people and visitors.”