Stuck between a Rocker and a Mod in Brighton

In 1960s Brighton you had to be one or the other; a Mod or a Rocker. This sharp divide in British youth culture is the backdrop for the hotly anticipated new film adaptation of Graham Greene's Brighton Rock.

Starring Sam Riley, Andrea Riseborough and Helen Mirren, the film is in cinemas from 4 February 2011.

These days Brighton's Mods and Rockers live a more harmonious existence, but the sub-culture spirit is very much in evidence and visitors can get a taste of the times in the city's attractions, shops, nightlife, events and places to stay.

Visit Brighton Museum and Art Gallery for a lesson in Brighton's modern history, including footage from the infamous clashes and clothing worn by the original Mods and Rockers of the 60s. Or try Brighton Town Hall for a guided tour of the Old Police Cells, where perpetrators from the two rival gangs were held after the riots.

Relive the 1960s all over again at the MODern World Art Gallery; exhibits include portraits of the era's icons by local artists, exclusive limited edition memorabilia and original photos.

Style knew no boundaries in sixties Brighton and the Mods' attention to detail revolutionised 1960s fashion. Today North Laine, the cosmopolitan melting pot in the heart of Brighton, is home to over 300 unique shops. Dress to impress at Jump the Gun and find a wide range of Mod suits as well as some classic Fred Perry gear, or find some original 60s design furniture in shops such as Snoopers Paradise and In My Room.

It's safe to say that the only thing Mods and Rockers could agree on was their love of music. For a unique addition to the record collection, try the fiercely independent Rounder Records which has been selling tunes in Brighton for years. Head to Borderline Records for re-issued jazz, soul, funk and psychedelia, or Resident Records for a broad selection of whatever it is a Mod or Rocker could possibly want.

When night falls in the city-by-the-sea, visitors should head to Komedia to relive the 60s at Da Doo Ron Ron or get head banging at the Brighton Rock Night.

Brighton has a packed calendar of events all year round, including a few dedicated to the Mods and Rockers. August bank holiday sees young Vespa and Lambretta riding Mods return to their spiritual home for the action packed Mod Weekender, whilst the Ace Cafe Reunion in September is a Rocker's paradise, culminating in a grand day out for anything up to 20,000 bikers on Brighton's famous Madeira Drive.

To make a weekend of it enjoy Brighton's seafront at The Grand Hotel, reportedly the hotel on which Graham Greene based 'The Cosmopolitan' in his original novel. For a change of pace stay at snooze, located in Brighton's fashionable Kemptown district where the funky nature of the area is reflected in the hotel's unique design, or live the life of luxury at NINETEEN, a cool and chic boutique hotel.

For more information and inspiration for short breaks in Brighton, go to visitbrighton.com.