In 2024, the United Kingdom joined many countries in supporting the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The next step is to create inventories of the living heritage across the country. This will help to inform the conversation about how we value and how we safeguard our living heritage.

Allan Brodie has proposed that the Seaside Holiday should be recognised as a key part of our Living Heritage. Here is a link to the Seaside Holiday nomination:  https://livingheritage.unesco.org.uk/get-involved/elements?q=seaside&inventory=&category=#filter

Including the Seaside Holiday on the new inventories will be a fitting celebration of playing on the beach, sand in sandwiches, relaxing in a deckchair and plunging into the sea. It will recognise the joy of fish and chips, ice creams, screaming on funfair rides and strolling along piers. And let’s not forget donkey rides, a round of golf, tea in a winter gardens and music from a bandstand.

There is so much to celebrate about our seaside holidays but to be included on the UK’s inventory, it needs public support.

So please support this initiative either by clicking on this very short form –

The Seaside Holiday as Living Heritage  – Fill in form

or by emailing allanbrodiehistory@gmail.com with your support and comments.

And please spread the word to everyone and every organisation that can get behind this initiative.

Thank you

Allan Brodie