Clacton Pier’s oldest ride is set to reopen at the weekend following an extensive refurbishment scheme.
The Helter Skelter, also known as a lighthouse slip and one of the pier’s most popular attractions, will be back in action on Saturday.
All of the work has been carried out by the in-house technical services team with some help from outside contractors to put it back up.
The entire lighting around the 50ft ride has been rewired and revamped and that is being added over the coming days along with a few final touches.
The Helter Skelter, which can be enjoyed by adults and children, was rebuilt last week and the iconic structure’s return was welcomed by many people.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said the response from the public had been amazing.
“We are well aware it is an important landmark which can be seen from miles around and people noticed it was missing and were constantly asking when it would be back,” he added.
“The work which has been undertaken has been to the highest possible standard and makes sure the ride is looks its very best and in tip top condition. We are sure everyone will agree that it looks fantastic.
“Most of the work, including repainting, has been done by hand and it has been completely refurbished. It has taken many months to get it where it is today.”
The whole project has taken just over a year with the Helter Skelter having been dismantled at the end of 2024.
It was originally built by English specialist firm Supercar in 1949 and was brought to the pier in 1979 by the Goss family and then later sold.
When current owners Billy and Elliot Ball took over in 2009 they made it one of their first actions to buy the Helter Skelter back as a statement of intent to return the attraction to its former glory.
In 2013 the ride was badly damaged in a storm with winds hitting 70mph but it was rebuilt and restored before returning to site in May 2016.
It has wintered in both Cardiff and Edinburgh, where it formed part of the cities’ Christmas celebrations, but has remained at the pier all year round since 2021 when work was carried out to make it more secure and able to withstand high winds and winter weather.
