Are you going to the gig? I attend it every two years. Now that it’s rolled around again, I can’t wait.
What Gig am I Referring to?
This is referring to my planned road trip to Brighton. To attend a gig at the Brighton Centre. I plan to cruise around nine junctions of the M25, specifically to head south on the M23 towards the Coast. After arriving, I aim to park the car, check into my hotel, and push my wheelchair into town to grab food at the Chilli Pickle. After eating, I’ll continue to the Sea Front, rolling East along the promenade, back toward the venue in good time to get through security. Find my seats to see the Mod Father and his band perform a selection of old and new songs.
Back In The City.
Every year, I try to visit the city of Brighton & Hove. I love it down there!
Moreover, it is much more than just the seafront. I get to show off my wheelchair skills in the Lanes, which have quirky little independent shops and fab bars and restaurants. The Chilli Pickle is a particular favourite of mine—and they have an accessible toilet. For instance, because of the age of some buildings in Brighton, not many have facilities that can accommodate me.
In the city, using my wheelchair skills to negotiate the terrain. This can be pretty challenging at times. Also having to dodge others milling around. Makes my attitude in making my way through the skinny, colourful lanes to my destination all the more defiant.
My Final Destination.
After eating, my final destination will be the Brighton Centre for the Gig.
I want to make sure I arrive in good time. My seats are booked, although I don’t want to be late or in a rush. I need to quench my thirst, and I predict there will be a long queue for the Bar.
Accessible Bar Option.
I don’t remember if there is an area of the bar solely for wheelchair users. I recall they have these features at Wembley Stadium. However, I don’t need or want to use the accessible bar if there is one. Maybe if the primary queue is long and the lowered part of the bar has less waiting time. I might use it out of convenience. Equally, if there isn’t one, I don’t expect one ‘just because I use a wheelchair‘. Unfortunately, waiting is part of life, and it doesn’t change whether you can walk or not.
What am I Expecting?
Loud music, a selection of current and past hits from The Jam and Style Council. Maybe 26 songs. I can’t wait!
But Why Go to Brighton?
But why go to Brighton to see Weller? I’m visiting Brighton to see Paul Weller ultimately. In fact, because of the excellent gig venue. It’s easy access and a selection of hotels nearby—yes, I’m staying down for the night. It just makes life easier. Furthermore, I get to hang out in Brighton in the afternoon. Visit the lanes, chill out, and take in the sea air.
Wheelchair Skills Confidence
Finally, being confident in my wheelchair makes my time in Brighton much easier. The condition of the paths will compromise my safety—for example, if my front casters catch or I tip backwards, negotiating a pothole or a kerb.
So, using my skills and making sure I stay safe and in my wheelchair results in independence and assertiveness. And a good time!
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