Significant investment is continuing to be made in Clacton Pier’s amusement arcade with three new machines arriving on site.
The owners of the attraction have introduced a range of the latest technological advances during 2025 – spending more than £100,000 – and further investment in this area is expected next year.
Dinosaur Era X-treme promises to be the most popular of the recent additions and is a four-player game that offers a fast-paced action experience on a giant 65inch HD screen.
It is suitable for all ages with adjustable difficulty settings as players battle through six stages.
The arcade has also taken delivery of a two-player Smurf coin pusher as well as a Breaking News machine.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said the arcade is a major feature and vital to the attraction’s overall success.
“Without it, the pier would simply not be sustainable,” he added. “It is absolutely essential to our offer and contributes greatly to our finances.
“That is why we backed a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing proposed tax increases which would have had a very damaging impact on the entire seaside amusement sector in general, not just Clacton Pier.
“The success of the campaign resulted in the potential tax increases being dropped and will definitely help investment in this area to continue.”
Earlier in the year a VR fighter jet simulator, Carnival Wheel and VR car machine were also introduced.
Mr Peek said that meetings have taken place over the past few weeks to finalise an exciting events programme for 2026.
He explained that the team are always looking to enhance the core favourites which take place each year – as well as come up with something new.
“The final schedule is almost there and we will be making a significant announcement in the New Year,” he added.
“We always try to offer events for all ages and make sure that no one misses out. The events have become an important part of the business plan.”
