Clacton Pier will be teaming up with the town’s carnival association to provide a weekend of heavily discounted family fun.
It is the sixth year in succession that the attraction has supported the association’s fundraising efforts which sees much-needed cash handed out to community groups and organisations in Tendring.
What began in 2021 as a one evening event on the pier being added to the programme has now been stretched to take in the three evenings of August 7-9.
On Saturday (August 8) there will be a spectacular free fireworks display – the ideal end to carnival procession day.
Members of the carnival team will be on site on Friday with their mascot Honey the Bear who will be joined by Pier mascot Sidney the Seagull to kick off ten days of carnival activities.
Carnival Queen Zoe will there also along with Princesses Leah and Mya.
There will be special half price Big Day Out Bands which will be sold from the ticket box on site from 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, costing £15.
Instead of being valid for just the rides, it will include adventure golf, big wheel, video game credits and prize tickets.
Nigel Brown, Clacton Pier communications manager, said that the attraction’s owners are delighted to partner up with the carnival once again and back its efforts to boost community funds.
“It is one of the big events on the town’s diary and we make a significant donation to boost the coffers following our special weekend,” he added.
“Since the association lost the local branch of its bank we also help by taking in all the coins collected from the procession on Saturday night and turn them into notes to make it easier for them.
“This collaboration is one of the many ways we put something back into the community which is very loyal to our business.”
Mr Brown said there will be a spectacular free fireworks display at the end of the pier on Saturday night at 9.30pm – set to audio – as well as free live music outside the Boardwalk across the weekend.
“The carnival was started by the then pier owner Ernest Kingsman in 1922 so it is very much a part of our history and a tradition we want to see continue,” he added. “We are pleased that everything kicks-off at the pier again this year on Friday evening.”
This year’s procession is being staged on Saturday August 9 and the theme is childhood favourites. The pier will be putting in a float.
Kerry Primmer, Carnival Chair, said: “Let’s hope that the sun continues to shine and everyone has a great time at all the events which we have laid on. We thank the pier for its ongoing support which is very important to us and much appreciated.
“Their weekend has become a welcome addition to our ten-day programme.”
