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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Interview by Amy Fleming

Twins in a spin at the great British seaside: Sophie Green’s best photograph

Two people in white shirts sit side by side on a fairground ride, facing a large red circus tent
‘The ride was moving at such a fast pace, I was nervous I wasn’t going to get it in focus’ … Sophie Green, Fair Ride Twins, Weston-super-Mare Beach. Photograph: Sophie Green/Courtesy Martin Parr Foundation

Our British seaside has such a distinctive look: the bingo halls, the buckets and spades and pinwheels, and all the amazing colours of the funfairs. I find them the most amazing environments. I love that visually super-charged, maximalist style.

The seaside is nostalgic to all of us. My grandpa lived in Pembrokeshire and we’d go and see him when I was little. The beach provokes this childlike sense of wonderment. It is a space that anyone can be a part of, friends and family, whatever age, whatever background. It unlocks the connection to nature, which inspires freedom and fun. There are not really any rules, and it’s playful – the funfairs, the arcades, splashing in the water. We don’t have many outlets for play, especially as adults.

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