Portslade and Brighton Marina don’t usually conjure up images of espionage, action and glamour – but all this is set to change when the number 7 bus is renamed the 007 for the City Reads festival.
The three-month literary event has this year chosen Ian Fleming’s classic From Russia with Love as its novel to read and discuss.
And as part of this, Brighton and Hove Bus Company has renamed the dozen buses which run along the Portslade to Marina route 007 in its honour.
The designation is particularly apt, as Bond’s codename of 007 is said to have been inspired by the 007 route from London to Canterbury, discovered by Fleming when he lived in the Kent village Beksbourne, and which still exists as part of the National Express network.
The bus company has also been given 80 copies of the novel to loan to its passengers.
City Reads started last Thursday and runs until May 28. It includes a series of free discussion workshops specially targeted at marginalised groups across the city, including the elderly, the homeless and adults with learning difficulties.
Councillor Vanessa Brown, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Brighton & Hove is a dynamic, vibrant place to live and the programme of activities available during the Adult Learning Festival reflects that. Such a broad range of activities should inspire more people to try and learn something new.
“Being a resident-focused council, we are keen to encourage everyone to keep active and keep learning, helping our residents lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.”
