Unlike Julie Burchill, I was born in Brighton and my parents worked on one of the last independent newspapers in the area.

I believe I know what I am talking about when I say many of the comments in her Guardian column were unfair, especially with regard to Brighton Festival.

I am not defending New Labour. Many of its grant cuts are not defensible, especially those to organisations which, to some extent, make up for the chaotic state of services mismanaged by Brighton and Hove City Council itself.

However, it was not New Labour that decided Brighton and Hove should campaign to become a city. Brightonians always resented not having that status.

Similarly, Brighton Festival dates back to the days when the whole area was solidly Tory. For several years, the festival committee was chaired by Liberal councillor Frances Hix.

The festival offers something for everyone, local or visitor. Many events are very stimulating, especially in the sub-Festival of Literature and Debate. Enough events are free for unemployed and low-waged people not to be left out.

Native Brightonians and well-established incomers (as opposed to Julie-come-latelies) know in the modern age a seaside town has to offer something more than a hard beach and a cold sea for people to keep coming.

Having the biggest festival south of the Forth is part of a long-term strategy that means people keep hearing about Brighton and Hove and do come here.

This means the guesthouses are full and the people who work in the clubs, bars, cafes and chippies keep their jobs.

-Peter T Garratt, London Road, Brighton