THE weird, the wacky, the wonderful and everything in between: I could be talking about Brighton Fringe, England’s largest open arts festival which for one month a year sees thousands of people flock to the South Coast for a taste of the unexpected.

Instead I am talking about something far more inclusive, something far more popular: the Palace Pier.

That haven of bright lights and sugar rushes is far more than a barmy Victorian structure which juts out into the sea; it hosts all manner of hidden pleasures.

Most of us will have spent many hours whirling away on the waltzers, pouring money in arcade machines or simply buying chips only to see the seagulls snatch them from your grasp.

These memories I thought were cherished by everyone; everyone that is apart from Julian Caddy, managing director of Brighton Fringe. I nearly spat out the mini ring doughnut I was chomping on when I read what he had to say (at £3.50 for five I’m glad I didn’t...) Apparently the Palace Pier is outdated, tacky and gives the city a bad name with those people that matter up in the capital.

Mr Caddy goes on to say that the city should be doing more to focus on elements such as its amazing creative and arts sector while trying to find attractions which are ahead of the curve.

I have some sympathy with what the man who lives in London is saying – Brighton does need to diversify to remain attractive – but most of his argument is utterly misguided and at times offensive.

The city gets more than 8.5 million visitors a year. If only half of them went on the Palace Pier – and I’m sure they do – then they still draw many times over the people who go to Fringe events once a year. By doing it down, Mr Caddy is not being big or clever; he’s simply a snob.

As someone who has spent years combating sneers and jeers from the more established artistes performing at the Brighton Festival, I would have thought Mr Caddy might have known better.

This is the man who brings the Ladyboys of Bangkok to town every year. Are we honestly believing that those who flock to see cross- dressing men delivering cabaret do not enjoy the tacky delights of the pier too?

And if those same people happen to buy clothes from Primark or Sports Direct, then so what?

What makes Brighton such an amazing place to be so amazing is that it caters to every taste. What’s more, people are tolerant of what others are doing, even if they don’t agree with them.

So for that reason saying, I extend an open invitation to Mr Caddy to come for a walk on the Palace Pier with me. I’ll even let him have one of my ring doughnuts.

If he doesn't fancy it then he is just as close minded as everyone else you think the pier represents.