Families will benefit from three evenings of heavily discounted rides on Clacton Pier as part of a special fundraising event this weekend.
The seaside attraction is staging its popular Carnival Pier Night on Friday (Aug 9) with a £10 unlimited wristband from 6pm to close.
The rides only wristband will also be available on Saturday and Sunday – at the same price and covering the same period.
The pier owners will then make a donation to the Clacton Carnival Association to help boost the funds it raises for local groups and charities.
It is the fourth year that the attraction has staged the event which will also include live music.
Pier Communications Manager Nigel Brown said the idea came about in 2021 to support the carnival’s centenary.
“The carnival week is a major part of the town’s calendar. It started on the pier in 1922 and was established by its then owner Ernest Kingsman,” he added.
“Therefore, it is also a part of our history and the owners came up with the idea of a special night to kick-off the week long celebrations.
“It began with the discounted wristbands on the Friday night and then last year we extended it to cover Saturday and Sunday as well, so that those who couldn’t make Friday wouldn’t miss out.”
The wristband includes all rides except the Go Karts and Wheel.
A free fireworks extravaganza will also take place on Saturday night with the display starting as soon as it is dark enough after 9pm.
There will be free live music with Marcus Pike from 1pm to 4pm on Friday; Words & Music 1pm to 4pm on Saturday with Tailfeathers from 6pm to 9pm; and Laura Wyatt from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.
Kerry Primmer, Chairman of Clacton Carnival Association, thanked the pier for continuing to provide its backing.
“We have an excellent relationship with the pier and are delighted to team up once again for a collaboration which works for both of us,” she said.
“Not only do families get cheap rides but we also get a donation towards the money we raise for community groups. It’s a win, win all round.
“The carnival procession heads off at 6pm on Saturday and it will be ideal for the crowds to head for the pier once it is over for the rides and fireworks.”
