
Clacton Pier’s popular Halloween Festival got off to a scarily spooktacular start.
Hundreds of families flocked to the seaside attraction over the weekend and made the most of the fang-tastically fun activities which run for nine days during half term.
The event has grown over recent years with fresh theming introduced each time to pull in the visitors.
Among the new attractions on offer are Creepy Crawly Cabin with creatures including giant millipedes, thorny stick insects, giant African snails and hissing cockroaches.
Witch Pierella is story-telling in her tent and Sidney has his own live Halloween stage show, both first time additions.


There is a chance to take a thrilling journey on Ghost Train: 4D, brave Misery Mansion or carve out a masterpiece in the pumpkin patch which can then be taken home.
Pier General Manager Harry Peek said the festival has made a very promising start.
“We have so far been blessed with much better weather than last year and the forecast for the week ahead is good,” he said.
“All the new features have been very well received and Creepy Crawly Cabin has really drawn the crowds.”
The pier’s rides are open all week from 11am to 5pm and the festival ends on Sunday November 3.


A Frightfully Fun Band is available online in advance for £19.99 or £24.99 on the day.
The band includes: one entry to Misery Mansion, Creepy Crawly Cabin, Pumpkin Patch, the story-telling tent and Ghost Train:4D, along with free unlimited rides (excluding Go Karts and Wheel), 18-holes of Adventure Golf and five video game credits.
To book visit www.clactonpier.co.uk
On November 5 the pier will stage its tenth and final free fireworks extravaganza of 2024. There will be a low noise level display at 5.30pm with the main event at 8pm.
A half price Big Day Out Band is available for the evening online for £14.99 if bought by November 4, or full price on the day.

