What a shame the Brighton Festival organisers this year chose to hive off the Fringe element of the festival and, seemingly, appropriate the Fringe name for themselves.

The outcome appears to be huge confusion, a very thin programme despite some big names and, ultimately, what appears to be a disappointing effort.

With this kind of management, it is no surprise the city was not awarded Capital of Culture status.

Coupled with the temporary loss of the Brighton Centre soon, as a city we face a seriously depleted income stream and failure to capture the benefits of Capital of Culture.

Let us hope the confusion caused by the decision to have a non-inclusive festival programme does not result in a depleted reputation for the festival in terms of numbers visiting next year and less income for the city.

A quick return to form, please, and some art that reflects the city to promote it, rather than the "dumb" beans of last year and flower this year.

Brighton and Hove risks becoming pass in the coming years and needs very careful management, including events such as the festival.

-Jim Gordon, Brighton