Final preparations are being put in place for the grand opening of
Jurassic Pier.
The £500,000 project is the latest addition to Clacton Pier’s growing
list of attractions and a whole host of events has been lined-up for the
weekend.
The interactive dino safari walk-through experience and 4D cinema will
open its gates to visitors on Saturday morning (May 27) and there will be a spectacular
fireworks extravaganza at 9pm on Sunday (May 28).
The display will include dino-themed music, lighting and lasers staged
by Dynamic Fireworks and MRL Productions.
Pier director Billy Ball said interest in Jurassic Pier has been
massive.
“It has really caught the imagination and we have been getting inquiries
about it for months,” he added.
“We are now finally at the point where families will get the chance to enjoy
this totally immersive experience for themselves and we are looking forward to
their reaction.”
Children’s TV personality Andy Day will perform the opening ceremony at
10.45am on Saturday. His four shows over the weekend are totally sold out but
there are still a few slots available to be booked for Jurassic Pier.
The enclosures of giant animatronic dinosaurs lead into the cinema with
its motion seating, audio-visual lighting and sound systems, 3D glasses and
water-squirters.
The individually commissioned dinosaurs have come from Asia and the herd
includes an eight metre long Tyrannosaurus-Rex, four metre Dilophosaurus and
Velociraptor, a Bambiraptor, and a Pterosaur.
As part of the weekend there will also be free live music on Saturday
and Sunday as well as James Magic showing off his tricks all weekend, including
Bank Holiday Monday.
Work on the £130,000 revamp of Boardwalk Bar and Grill is due to be
completed the following weekend (June 3/4) – along with augmented reality
darts, and two shuffleboards, new seats and a complete redecoration.
“Our visitors will certainly see a major difference in the Boardwalk
with a significant facelift and the introduction of the very latest in social
entertainment technology,” said Mr Ball.
“This – along with Jurassic Pier – is all about continuing to improve
our offer for our visitors and provide them with new and exciting experiences.”
The weekend is being staged in association with Year of the Pier.
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