A SERIES of historic photographs of New Brighton dating from the Victorian era through to the 1970s and 80s has been digitally re-animated using generative AI that generated ‘significant organic engagement within 24 hours of publication’, according to those behind the project.

Developed by New Brighton Creative Futures, the work involved deep research into the town’s visual heritage — sourcing archival photographs, wartime imagery, Art Deco posters and mid-century seaside scenes — then restoring, colourising and carefully reanimating them into atmospheric moving sequences.

The public’s response to the project has been ‘immediate and substantial’, according to Rory Wilmer, creative director of New Brighton Creative Futures,

Among the historic photographs of New Brighton dating from the Victorian era through to the 1970s and 80s that have been digitally re-animated using generative AI (Image: Rory Wilmer / Open Air Gallery)

On Facebook alone, the videos are approaching 50,000 views, with more than 100 shares recorded within the first hours of release.

Mr Wilmer says engagement across the platform ‘has comfortably passed the thousand mark, including reactions, comments and interactions’.

Hundreds of comments are also said to have been posted, with residents and former visitors sharing detailed memories of the pier, fairground, arcades, cinemas and promenade.

Among the historic photographs of New Brighton dating from the Victorian era through to the 1970s and 80s that have been digitally re-animated using generative AI (Image: Rory Wilmer / Open Air Gallery)

Beyond the original posts, the content has been downloaded, remixed and reshared across multiple community groups and accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X — significantly extending its reach organically.

Mr Wilmer said: “The scale of engagement tells us something important. People are hungry for this conversation.

“They want to talk about New Brighton — its past, its identity and its future.”

Among the historic photographs of New Brighton dating from the Victorian era through to the 1970s and 80s that have been digitally re-animated using generative AI (Image: Rory Wimer / Open Air Gallery)

He continued: “What’s been remarkable isn’t just the numbers, but the depth of the response. People are sharing stories about grandparents, childhood summers, first jobs, first dates.

“That level of emotional connection shows that this place still matters — and that the ambition of the past still resonates.

“We had a huge amount of fun making these films. At times we were laughing at the absurdity of the AI — the occasional impossible rollercoaster or surreal detail.

“At other moments we were genuinely impressed by the continuity, even the choreography of the seagulls. And then there were scenes that genuinely stopped us.

“Seeing these historic moments move again on a mobile phone screen can be surprisingly emotional. It brings a past that can feel distant and faded suddenly back into the present.”

He added: “That’s the real power of creativity. When imagination, technology and heritage come together, they don’t just recreate images — they reignite feeling. And that’s what we stand for.”

The organisation says the growing creative energy within the Victoria Quarter reflects a broader resurgence.

Among the historic photographs of New Brighton dating from the Victorian era through to the 1970s and 80s that have been digitally re-animated using generative AI (Image: Rory Wilmer / Open Air Gallery)

Rory Wilmer explained: “We’re diving deep into our heritage, identifying stories that deserve to be told again.

“These photographs are evidence of what once stood here — bold civic ambition and creative confidence. We want young people to understand the history of the stones they stand on, and to know that this place has a future worth building.”

The online momentum comes as New Brighton Creative Futures prepares to deliver its latest large-scale public artwork commission next week.

The new mural will celebrate New Brighton in Bloom and the volunteers who help keep the town vibrant and welcoming.

It will be created by internationally acclaimed art duo SNIK, known for their intricate multi-layer stencil technique and large-scale works across Europe.

Mr Wilmer added: “If we want a creative future, we have to build it. That means honouring our heritage, backing our volunteers and inspiring the next generation of makers, artists and writers who will shape what comes next.”

There will further updates will be shared as the artwork progresses.

To see some of the images come to life, click here .