Discover Clacton website goes live with a bang

  • 28 July, 2025
  • On the pier

The new Discover Clacton website went live with a real bang at an explosive event on the town’s pier.

Music and narration accompanied the pyrotechnics to kick-off the start of the summer holidays – as well as celebrate a new voice to champion the seaside resort.

Discover Clacton has been created by the Clacton Coastal Tourism Group (CCTG) to raise the profile of the town’s attractions, natural environment, and heritage.

It is now live and ready for tourism businesses to populate the site with their own information and events.

That it is expected to take a few weeks to complete and a formal launch will take place at the West Cliff Theatre on August 22.

Discover Clacton aims to highlight the very best the town has to offer visitors – whether it be places to stay, eat, visit or enjoy fun and entertainment.

Billy Ball, pier director and Chairman of the CCTG, said it is a big step in the right direction.

“For all those involved in the tourism sector in Clacton the school summer holidays are a crucial period in the year when we depend on people pouring into the town and making the most of all the amazing delights it has to offer,” he said.

“The first free fireworks display of those holidays was the ideal opportunity to launch the new website, one of a number of tools we hope will help bring back the glory days.

 

“There is a real sense of optimism that with the private and public sector joining forces with this new initiative that we can make a hugely positive impact.

“It is all about turning the town’s image around and making it a destination of choice where the requirements of all ages and tastes can be satisfied.”

Mr Ball added that a great deal of time and effort has been put into creating the website  and he hoped it would help attract more people to Clacton.

He thanked all those who played a part, including website developers Graphitas, and he looked forward to businesses reaping the rewards.

The pyrotechnics were put on by Dynamic Fireworks and the music and narration provided by MRL Productions.

“We enjoyed a spectacular show along with the crowds of people who turned out and it meant the website went live with a real bang,” added Mr Ball.

“We hope Discover Clacton will now have an equally explosive effect and help to pull in the visitors.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The launch of the Discover Clacton website is a spectacular celebration of everything our town stands for – community spirit, seaside charm, and a shared ambition to grow our visitor economy.

“This exciting new platform shines a spotlight on everything that makes Clacton great – from our rich heritage and stunning coastline to our fantastic attractions and local businesses. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision.

“We’re proud to have supported this project through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and I’m confident it will help boost footfall, support our economy, and inspire more people to discover what Clacton has to offer.

“As a council, we remain committed to promoting our heritage, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.”

The CCTG was formed last April and the other members are 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).

Fireworks photos by Simon Rich

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