The final bank holiday of the season provided steady business for
Clacton Pier as families made the most of the fun before children return to
school.
Visitors turned out in good numbers across the three days and enjoyed a spectacular
free fireworks extravaganza on Sunday evening.
There was live musical entertainment across the weekend which followed
on from the Flight display put on by Tendring District Council to celebrate the
town’s 150th birthday.
Pier
director Billy Ball is positive about the summer overall and the future going
forwards.
“It
was a better season than last year – but it could hardly have been any worse,”
he said. “We were able to be open over some of the bank holidays, which is
where we look to see increased numbers through the doors.
“The
weather wasn’t the best, but people still made their way to the coast. Many
people holidayed and took breaks in the UK this summer and we benefited from
that change of habit. Hopefully it may have set a bit of a trend for at least a
while.
“We
definitely needed that boost after last year and we must now continue to
provide the attractions that will keep people coming back to the Pier as a venue.”
Mr
Ball said that due to Covid restrictions it had not been possible to put on as
many events as he would have liked to mark the landmark’s 150th
anniversary.
“However,
three new rides have been introduced in 2021, including our Elegant Wheel
Experience, and we put on fireworks extravaganzas every week of the school
holiday for the first time,” he added.
“These
have been very much appreciated and our overall feedback has been excellent. It
has been a difficult period for all those in the leisure and hospitality sector
– especially with recruiting enough staff – but we have battled through.”
Mr
Ball said the team at the Pier is now preparing for autumn and winter with a
host of events such as its Halloween Festival and Christmas activities.
“Since
expanding our indoor facilities we are now a truly all year-round business and
we have to make the most of that significant investment,” he added.
“The
only day we close is Christmas Day and families are now used to heading to the
Pier to enjoy Discovery Bay Soft Play, Skull Point Adventure Golf, the Seaquarium
and other undercover attractions outside of the main season.”
PHOTO by KEVIN JAY
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