Clacton Pier has lined-up its biggest ever events programme for 2026.
There will be one taking place virtually every month of the year with new additions in the schedule to cater for all ages.
These will include a free live pirate show, live music weekends, Clacton FEAR! a terrifying new Halloween event, a Blue Light weekend as well as expanded character weekends.
General manager Harry Peek said a lot of work and thought has gone into coming up with an exciting list for families to enjoy.
“We have a packed programme of 12 events which begin in February and end in December and it is well worth putting the dates in your diary,” he added.
“We are expecting that not only will they bring people onto the pier but also into the town and district and boost tourism.
“Everyone is looking for fun and entertainment without breaking the bank and most events will be free to attend with others discounted to make them real value for money.”
Mr Peek said that events have continually been developed and expanded at the pier in recent years and are an important part of the overall business.
It all kicks off next month with February Frenzy when half price wristbands will be on offer over half term from February 14 to 22. Easter Extravaganza begins on March 28 and runs through to April 12 with the Easter Bunny, egg trail and themed fun for all.
The first of nine free fireworks displays takes place on April 5 and the full lists of dates will be announced soon.
New for 2026 is ‘Pirates Ahoy’ from May 23 to 31 and will feature a free live show, treasure trail, meet and greets as well as other swashbuckling fun.
June’s events start with a character weekend on June 6/7 with more to follow on July 11/12 and September 5/6.
A further new addition is Clacton Live which will be a free live music festival on the weekends of June 13/14, 20/21 and 27/28. One weekend is expected to be reggae music, one soul and another country music.
The town’s carnival week will once again be celebrated by the pier with a weekend of reduced price wristbands, fireworks and live music over August 7 to 9.
September and October will be busy and begin with a Blue Light weekend with heavily discounted wristbands on September 12/13 for all blue light card holders. Building on the success of Armed Forces and Emergency Services weekends it is being introduced following feedback from customers.
Oktoberfest starts on September 19/20 and again on 26/27 before ending on October 3/4.
One of the highlights of the year is bound to be Clacton FEAR! which has been three years in the planning. It will operate on select dates to be confirmed in October and include terrifying scare mazes, rides in the dark and live entertainment. It is the successor to Evil on Sea which was staged in 2019.
The ever popular Halloween Festival runs through half term from October 24 to November 1 with lots of spooky fun and the year will be rounded off when Santa is back in his Enchanted Grotto on selected dates in November and December. There will be more dates than in 2025 to meet demand.
“The team at the pier are very excited and looking forward to a bumper programme of events – and we hope our visitors are too,” said Mr Peek.
