There will be big parties in Worthing and Eastbourne this year to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

But nothing special is planned in Brighton and Hove, the biggest resort, which owes its fame to royal patronage.

It seems strange that two towns, which were granted city status by the Queen only just over a year ago, should now be so churlish about celebrating her big day.

No one is suggesting spending huge sums of local taxpayers' money on the celebrations. The Queen herself has discouraged that, sensing the mood of the times.

Celebrations nationally will be more muted than they were during the Silver Jubilee of 1977.

But there is still considerable affection for the Queen, who has done her duty for 50 years.

Even though Brighton and Hove City Council is strapped for cash, it has found money to bid for being European City of Culture.

It also celebrated the millennium on two successive New Year Eves.

Brighton likes partying and knows how to hold a celebration. There are plenty of outdoor arenas owned by the council, where events could be staged.

It's not too late, even now, for the council to make its own modest contribution towards the fun, in the hope this will encourage thousands more around the city to do the same.