The countdown is underway for an explosive summer of free fireworks at Clacton Pier.
The popular seaside attraction will be staging six displays during the school holidays with the first planned for Saturday July 26.
It will be an extra special extravaganza with music and narration and will also mark the launch of a new website to boost tourism in the town.
Called Discover Clacton and set up by the newly formed Clacton Coastal Tourism Group (CCTG), the website will showcase all that the town has to offer visitors.
Billy Ball, pier director and Chairman of CCTG, said it will be a memorable event.
“The fireworks on July 26 will kick-off what we all hope will be a bumper six weeks for businesses in the town,” he said.
“But just as importantly the display will celebrate the launch of the website which we have been working very hard on for some months now.
“The whole idea is to champion Clacton and raise the profile of its attractions, natural environment and heritage.
“We all know how great it is, a traditional British seaside resort with a modern twist, but there is so much more to it than that.
“We need to get that message over loud and clear so we can see the town get back to its glory days. The website is one important tool we can use, and if we succeed everyone will benefit.”
The CCTG was formed last April and the other members are Cllr Ivan Henderson (Tendring Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism); Penny Smith (Hastys Adventure Farm and Millers Barn Golf Park); Mark Broad (Greensward Café); Billy Peak (Clacton Pavilion); Suki Dulai (Surya Hotels); Rosie Georgio (Clacton Creatives); Norman Jacobs (West Cliff Theatre and Clacton and District History Society); Mike Carran (Tendring Council’s Assistant Director for Economic Growth and Leisure) and Jon Rowe (Clacton Pier).
Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Clacton has always been a firm favourite for families and visitors looking for that classic seaside experience – and this summer’s fireworks displays will add even more sparkle to our vibrant coast.
“The launch of the Discover Clacton website is a fantastic step forward in showcasing everything our town has to offer, from its rich heritage to its exciting attractions – and we’re delighted that it was funded thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant, which was administered by TDC.
“We’re proud to support the Clacton Coastal Tourism Group in this initiative, which will help drive footfall, support local businesses, and shine a spotlight on what makes Clacton such a special place to visit.
“As a council, we’re committed to promoting our heritage, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.”
The pyrotechnics on July 26 will start at 9.30pm with the help of Dynamic Fireworks and MRL Productions providing the audio which will be themed on the Great British seaside.
It is one of eleven displays staged by the pier in 2025; three have taken place and there will be others on August 2, 9, 16, 21 and 24 and the final two on November 8.
PHOTOS KEVIN JAY
