Latest TV Blog: Let love rule

Behind the scenes of Latest TV news with Tim Ridgway

Friday night, just after midnight, the centre of Brighton. It’s the sort of time and place where you’d expect to see people falling over themselves to get into a kebab shop. But this was not any ordinary Friday; this was a night when history was made. For the Royal Pavilion hosted the country’s first ever same sex marriage.

The lucky couple were Andrew Wale and Neil Allard – and the very special moment was captured on film, thanks to our team from Latest TV. With politicians joining friends and family in the audience, this was more than an ordinary wedding.

The setting was the Royal Pavilion’s music room, a place where the Prince Regent used to party into the early hours with his selected guests. Two centuries on, and the jovial spirit has remained. Even the registrar, the fantastically named Trevor Love – who must have married half of Brighton during his extensive career – was struggling to keep his emotions in check.

And when the marriage was officially confirmed, there was a standing ovation and cheers followed by flashing lightbulbs. For those crowded outside a kebab shop, I’d imagine more than one were asking themselves why Miley Cyrus was in town.

Elsewhere, school was out for hundreds of teachers as they went on strike as part of a national dispute over pay, pensions and working conditions. Our crews were out and about talking to some of the 1,000 people who took to the streets in protest.

Among the throng of striking teachers and disgruntled parents were a team of Govebusters – who defiantly said: “I ain’t afraid of no Michael Gove”.

Then there was a bagpiper who refused to answer my questions about whether or not what he had under his kilt was child-friendly.

Continuing the young people theme, our crews had a lovely morning at the Brighton Your Futures event at Brighton Dome. With a host of employers and career personnel present, it was aimed at ensuring 14 to 25-year-olds were made aware of all the options available to them as they looked to get into work.

Council leader Jason Kitcat looked a relaxed man as he cut the ribbon on the event – perhaps that was because he had staved off yet another coup from within his party to oust him from the top job.

Away from politics, and the Latest TV cameras rolled into Hove for the Sussex County Cricket Club press day ahead of the upcoming season. Our sports team got up close and personal with Mark Robinson, Ed Joyce and Chris Nash.

The players did not have to bat away many of the questions – in fact they were bowled over with our debut presenter, Greg Bird, who knew no boundaries. One could even say he hit them for six.

And finally, a shout out. Calling all producers, camera operators and potential presenters – do you want to get involved in Latest TV?
Why not come to our open meeting at 5.30pm on April 14 at the Latest Music Bar in Manchester Street, Brighton.
Everyone is welcome.

For more details, check out www.thelatest.co.uk and www.thelatest.tv