Names on the buses 348 Jamie Watton

Connections with Brighton and Hove : Since the ‘Dance Craze’ took off following the end of the First World War, it has always been a popular pastime in Brighton. From the 1920s through to the 1940s The Regent Dance Hall, in Queens Road and Sherry’s Dance Hall, in West Street, were two of the most popular destinations on the south coast, dominating Brighton’s night-life. Today, much of the credit for the ongoing popularity of dance on the south coast belongs to one man — Jamie Watton. An alum of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Mr Watton was Chief Executive and Artistic Director of South East Dance from 2009 until his death in 2018. Committed to giving people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of dance he successfully campaigned for a new home for South East Dance to be created in Brighton and Hove. At his memorial service, his friends and colleagues launched a fundraising campaign in his name to support the completion of the project, successfully raising more than 90% of the £6.6 million required to make The Dance Space a reality. Due to open to the public in 2021 it will be a fitting tribute to an inspirational leader and a passionate advocate for dance sector in all its forms.

348 Alexander Dennis Enviro - carried name since October 2020. Express Route 1X branding added July 2024.