A Best of British weekend rounded off Clacton Pier’s first ever Clacton Live festival and it has been hailed a major success.
Bosses at the seaside attraction are now looking to repeat the event next year and make it a regular feature on the calendar.
Three consecutive weekends of free live music on a specially constructed stage outside the Boardwalk Bar and Grill pulled in music lovers of all ages.
It began with a Reggae weekend, followed by Country and finished off with a host of top acts including The Vox Beatles, Scott Borley’s Robbie Williams Tribute, Ronan Williams and Here Comes Dua, a Dua Lipa Tribute.
General manager Harry Peek said the festival went down well with locals and visitors alike.
“We could not have asked for more for the first time of staging Clacton Live – great acts, sunshine throughout and fantastic crowds,” he added.
“Of course we were lucky with the weather but this event is here to stay. We have been delighted with the feedback which has been so positive and people have come along and really enjoyed themselves which is what it is all about.”
Mr Peek thanked Laughing Bulldog Events, who pulled together the programme of acts, and partnered the pier as it has done in the past for Oktoberfest and Halloween.
There was also plenty of praise for the pier staff who worked tirelessly in the heat serving food and drink to keep everyone happy.
“It has been a real team effort and everyone has played their part in making three special weekends which our guests will remember for a long time,” he said. “Our outside bar, The Headliners, went down very well with themed drinks for each event.”
The pier’s revamped bowling centre also opened up at the weekend and was very well received.
It includes a 16 metre interactive LED wall – the first in the UK – which is directly integrated with the game play and the manufacturers ecosystem of exciting play features and entertainment.
The screen also has a selection of high quality on-demand themes, environments and games for either groups or individuals.
There will be more live music every day throughout the school summer holidays and that will be followed by Oktoberfest, starting in September.
Four free fireworks displays are also on the way on July 25, August 8, 27, and 30 – as well as Carnival weekend and a Blue Light weekend on September 13 and 14.
Pier rides have also opened up seven days a week from today, rather than just at weekends and school holidays.
“There is so much to look forward to in the coming weeks and months; it’s exciting times ahead and we hope for the great weather to continue,” said Mr Peek.
