Mod Hot Spots

The English south coast town of Brighton became a notorious crucible for violent clashes between Mods and Rockers in 1964. Reported on by journalists across Britain, these well-dressed riots sparked a moral panic and both groups were demonised. Other coastal spots such as Margate, Bournemouth and Clacton were also popular destinations for giant gatherings of youths. The worst violence occurred over the Whitsun weekend of May 18-19, 1964 where thousands of Mods descended on the coast only to find that an inordinate amount of rival Rockers had come to town for their holidays. Deck chairs were soon being thrown in open scenes of horrific violence which lasted for two days in Brighton, subsequently moving along the coast to Hastings.