Bosses at Clacton Pier have hailed 2025 as a year of achievement against the odds.
A challenging financial climate for all in the tourism and hospitality sector has led to venues going under or greatly reducing their staffing numbers.
Businesses have been hit by increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage as well as most other costs rising sharply.
At the same time visitors and customers have had less money available to spend once they have met all their own bills and household expenses.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said the attraction had a lot to celebrate despite a tough 12 months.
“We are still here, employing roughly the same number of staff and that in itself should be seen as a significant success,” he explained.
“Clacton Pier continues to provide a first class venue where families can come and enjoy themselves, make happy memories and have fun.
“We are proud of our team who have really worked hard and help us maintain our solid position in the industry.
“All in all we have much to celebrate even though the odds have been stacked against us in so many ways.”
This year the pier received its first coveted Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Best of the Best, also ranking it one of the top-rated amusement parks in Europe.
It was also voted the Daily Express’s third top pier in the UK, only behind Brighton Palace and Blackpool and there was a further prestigious accolade by scooping the Headline Sponsor’s Award in the Tendring4Growth Awards.
Mr Peek said footfall in 2025 had been maintained with around one million visitors going through the doors.
The pier continued with a strong programme of events – such as Easter Extravaganza, Jurassic Half Term, a Halloween Festival, Oktoberfest, and Santa’s Enchanted Grotto where extra slots had to be added to meet demand.
Customers have been to the fore of planning with special offers on annual passes and Big Day Out Bands; a new menu with meal deals in the Boardwalk Bar and Grill, and Kids Eat Free in the soft play during term time.
Investment has been made in a number of new gaming machines for the arcade.
Moves have been made to become a more disabled-friendly venue by joining up with Nimbus Disability and training has been given to staff to back an industry-wide scheme to drive responsible gambling.
The pier has continued to be at the heart of the community staging 11 free fireworks displays; supporting Clacton Carnival, Tendring Scouts, and putting on free events for families in association with Rays of Sunshine and Barnardo’s.
“Rides have received a facelift, new commemorative benches installed, we have starred in television programmes such as Celebrity Antiques Roadshow and brought in children’s favourites such as Evie and Peppa Pig, Bluey and Bingo for our younger fans,” added Mr Peek.
“We also had an excellent collaboration with Spudman which brought in crowds bigger than we could have imagined.
“Yes, it has been a real challenge. But it was one we were up to and will continue to meet head on in 2026, which is expected to test us once again.”
