BRIGHTON Palace Pier is one of the most iconic attractions on the south coast and along with the seafront itself, it has been boosting the local tourism industry for many years.

Currently owned by businessman Luke Johnson, the landmark has been through two world wars, a large fire and a number of storms that have battered the coast.

The inaugural ceremony for the laying of the first pile of the pier was held on November 7, 1891, overseen by mayor Samuel Henry Soper.

It first opened in May 1899 after costing a record £27,000 to build.

The Palace Pier made it through a large fire in February 2003.

The damage was limited and most of the pier was able to reopen the day after the blaze. This happened during a tough time for the West Pier, with much its damage occurring shortly before and after this event.

The pier has played an important part in popular culture, featuring in Carry on at Your Convenience (1971), Mirrormask, The Persuaders, the Doctor Who series, The Leisure Hive (1980) and the 1979 film Quadrophenia, which has become known as one of the most recognisable films set in the city.

During a storm in 1973, a 70-ton barge moored at the pier’s landing stage broke away and damaged the head of the pier as well as completely destroying the theatre.

Do you have any fond memories of seeing a show at the theatre?

What are your favourite memories of the pier in its earlier days?

Brighton Pavilion has played an equally important part in local culture, with a colourful past of its own.

Built over 200 years ago as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, it has also served as a civic building and a First World War hospital.

Historians describe the former king as a rebel, set against his strict upbringing.

Construction started in 1787 and in 1815 King George commissioned John Nash to begin the transformation from modest villa into the oriental palace that we see today.