A group of paranormal investigators has discovered significant activity in Clacton Pier’s oldest major structure.
A team spent around four hours at night in the Jolly Roger theatre at the seaward end of the attraction with a range of specialist equipment.
They were given access to the building after staff and contractors working on site had experienced unusual encounters while preparing the building for a major new event, Clacton FEAR, taking place in October.
The Ghost and Paranormal Society North Essex (GAPS) had been keen to get into the Jolly Roger – built in 1893 – for some time.
Susan Vousden, from the group, said they were delighted to finally spend time in there and made several discoveries.
“We definitely sensed spirits both in the Jolly Roger itself and while we were walking through the rides deck after the pier had been closed,” she added.
“There is paranormal activity there, including cold spots, and I believe it may have been from when the time when the Jolly Roger was used as a circus.
“Some of the members registered readings both downstairs and on the upper level balcony of the theatre building. It was a very interesting place for us to get access to and we were very grateful to be allowed in.”
The Jolly Roger was built as an indoor theatre with a main concert hall seating an audience of up to 1,500 as well as room for more on the balcony.
It has been home to various shows and entertainment and has previously been called Pier Theatre and Jollity Theatre over the years.
Nigel Brown, pier communications manager said that some staff and contractors had been uneasy about working in the building.
“They had experienced unusual encounters which made them feel uncomfortable and we felt it was time to let GAPS in there to see what they could discover,” he said.
“We had been unable to do so until we had the building in a suitable state where they could safely get up to the upper level which has been abandoned for almost 50 years.
“Part of the floor had been removed in the early 1980s when the Jolly Roger had been home to Sally Chipperfield’s circus for a season.”
The building will be the home to the pier’s new terrifying Halloween event Clacton FEAR which will take place on October 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31.
Mr Brown said the event has been three years in the making and follows on from Evil on Sea in 2019.
It will include heavily themed walk-through attractions with live actors and special effects.
“It will be a chance to face your fear and we are cooking up something totally terrifying with a further announcement coming very soon,” he added.
Tickets are on sale (£30 or £25 for a limited time on early bird discount) and can be booked at: https://www.clactonfear.co.uk/tickets/
