Clacton Pier’s latest new event got off to a frighteningly good start with hundreds of scare fans already flooding through the Jolly Roger theatre.
Clacton FEAR got underway with a preview evening followed by two nights for the public which drew rave reviews all round.
With five dates still to go, tickets are selling fast and it looks like being a great success and will be added to the annual programme of events.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said that the three years of planning and all the hard work to transform the oldest building on the attraction has paid off.
“It really has been a labour of love and so many people have worked tirelessly to turn a Victorian building dating back to 1893 into a truly spectacular venue,” he said.
“The two live action scare mazes have the thrill factor and the compliments have been flowing. We had visitors calling their friends and telling them to get down here.
“We were thrilled to see both mazes get five stars from Thrill Nation in their Halloween review which is high praise indeed.
“The team have created something very special and an event we can be truly proud of. It has been a real joint effort to get this off the ground including pier staff and outside contractors such as carpenters, painters and electricians.”
A new staircase has been built in the Jolly Roger providing access to the upper floor for the first time in about 50 years.
As well as the inside scare mazes, there is a third scare zone outside of the actual building as well as thrill rides in the dark and food and drink options.
The pier has employed almost 40 actors, with around 30 appearing each night.
Clacton FEAR continues this weekend on Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 from 6pm until late and then again on October 29, 30 and 31.
Mr Peek said he was indebted to the support of industry experts who have been called in to provide experience and ensure a top quality product.
“We are delighted that this event has lived up to our hopes and expectations and there is a real buzz around the town about it,” he added.
“Tickets for the final weekend are now almost sold out so don’t wait or you could be disappointed.”
Tickets are £25 online and can be booked at https://www.clactonfear.co.uk/tickets/
The pier’s popular Halloween Festival begins at the weekend and runs for nine-days over half term from October 24 to November 1.
The attraction will be decorated throughout with a host of spooktacular fun including Creepy-Crawly cabin, Pumpkin Patch, a revamped live show featuring pier mascot Sidney the Seagull, Ghost Train 4D and a new live action walk through experience.
A Frightfully Fun Band costs £25 and full details of what this includes can be found at www.clactonpier.co.uk
