Staff at Clacton Pier are putting final preparations
in place for the first big bank holiday weekend of the year.
Work on the central concourse has been
completed on schedule and is now open to the public.
It links the new development on the eastern
side of the building with the Boardwalk Bar, Lanes Bowling Centre and amusement
arcade on the western side to create a weather-tight section across the whole front
of the structure.
A new flooring surface will be laid in the
central concourse after the holiday but otherwise the area is now virtually 90
per cent finished, along with the doubling of the adult over 18’s gaming section
with 50 new machines installed.
A host of free family fun has been lined-up
for Easter, including live music and children’s magic and entertainment as well
as face painting and a glitter station.
The highlight of the weekend with be two free
firework displays on Easter Sunday – with one at 8pm for those who cannot stay
up for the main extravaganza at 9.30pm.
All the rides will be operating – weather
permitting – the Seaquarium will be open as will the amusement arcade, bowling centre
and Boardwalk Bar.
It will be the first Easter that the new Discovery
Bay development with the soft play and adventure golf will be operating and
this will ensure all visitors are catered for, whatever the weather.
Pier Director Billy Ball said that there have
been 18 months of constant hard work to bring in phase one and two of the new
development.
“It has been non-stop, and it is a tribute to
our own team and our outside contractors that we have pulled this off on time
and on budget,” he said.
“This Easter will be a real opportunity to see
the huge difference that all the changes and improvements have made.
“The Pier really has been transformed over the
past couple of years and has so much more to offer than ever before.
“The schools have broken up so we are starting
to see a good stream of visitors each day and will be hoping for a bumper bank
holiday weekend.”
All details of the live music and other free
entertainment can be found on the website, www.clactonpier.co.uk
