July 8, 2019

A total of 13 contestants did battle round the table at the front of Clacton Pier in a hot dog eating competition.

The annual event is staged as part of American Independence Day celebrations at the attraction and it drew a large crowd of spectators.

In the end it was a member of staff at the Pier, Brian Goodgame who came out victorious scoffing his eight hot dogs in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds – and then went back for a ninth for good measure.

Each of those taking part had five minutes to get through their free plateful with the winner being the quickest to finish.

Ewelina Majewska, Operations Manager at the Pier, said the whole day was a great success.

“We try to put on as many special events as possible throughout the year and this one always proves popular,” she said.

“There were a lot of people watching the competition – it looked really hard work to me, but we always have plenty of takers.”

There was also free live music from Clacton’s own Tracey Moorehouse – who also compered the hot dog competition.

The hard-working James Magic Entertainment provided four free shows to keep the children entertained through the day.

The next big event will be on July 20 when the Pier celebrates its 148^th birthday.

The highlights of this will be free fireworks at around 9.30pm and before that at lunchtime a doughnut eating competition in front of the Boardwalk Bar and Grill. Application forms are available from the bar.

Again, a range of free entertainment will be laid on for those turning out.