The team at Clacton Pier are gearing up for one of their busiest periods of the year.
The attraction’s Easter Extravaganza gets underway on Saturday March 28 and runs for more than two weeks through until April 12.
The Easter weekend – April 3-6 – is traditionally one of the busiest, second only to the August Bank Holiday.
Extra staff have been recruited to deal with the expected influx of visitors and everyone in the tourism sector in Clacton and Tendring will be hoping to get a bumper boost which can be built on throughout 2026.
Every day of the 16 during the school holiday there will be a chance to win a pier annual rides pass worth £60 which will go to the first person to find the golden egg.
General Manager Harry Peek said it is a very important and fun time of the year.
“Visitor footfall is always high over Easter weekend and is only usually beaten by August Bank Holiday,” he explained.
“Obviously the weather can play a major part and we will all be keeping our fingers crossed that it is kind to us. The more the sun shines and it stays dry, the better.
“We are fortunate in that we are well catered for with many indoor attractions on offer but we are being optimistic and we have planned for the best case scenario.
“We are expecting the Go-Karts and Twister rides to be back in operation after some maintenance work and the Helter Skelter is up again and being enjoyed by families.”
A giant Easter Bunny will be hopping around in Discovery Bay over the entire Extravaganza and is looking to meet and greet its young fans. It will also be available for photos.
The Easter weekend also includes the first free fireworks display of nine taking place this year.
It will be put on by Dynamic Fireworks of Colchester with the pyrotechnics going off around 9pm, depending on daylight.
Mr Peek said that the popular Golden Egg competition is being repeated.
“Our golden hen is being encouraged to lay golden eggs and one will be hidden around the site every day,” he added. “The first person to find it on each of the 16 days will be able to claim an annual rides pass to use for 12 months, saving £60.”
There will also be free live music outside the Boardwalk Bar on selected dates which will be posted on the pier’s website www.clactonpier.co.uk
