A talk from Chris Horlock followed by a guided tour of Brighton's underground Victorian Cells focusing on the Mods & Rockers

Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, this engaging illustrated talk explores the rise of youth subcultures in the late 1950s and early 1960s, focusing on Mods and Rockers and the social forces that shaped them.

A central feature is the infamous Battle of Brighton in 1964, widely regarded as a defining moment in British youth culture. Chris Horlock brings the period vividly to life, drawing on cultural history, local knowledge, and stories from the city.

The talk also places Mods and Rockers within a wider cultural context, exploring Teddy Boys, Beatniks, and Punks, and explaining why youth subcultures emerged so distinctly in post-war Britain.

Following the talk, attendees will enjoy a 50-minute guided tour of the Victorian Old Police Cells Museum, including access to atmospheric original holding cells and historic police spaces. The tour also includes a chance to view the well-known “Dave the Rocker” graffiti, referenced within the talk itself.

This combined experience offers a unique blend of social history, local heritage, and immersive storytelling, bringing Brighton’s past vividly to life in both lecture and location.

Description supplied by the event organiser.