Three Bank Holiday weekends in just over a
month have taken their toll on business at Clacton Pier.
A late Easter followed quickly by the two in
May reduced the number of visitors compared to the same weekends last year.
The weather also had an effect with less
people in the town than was hoped for.
Pier Managing Director Billy Ball said that it
is small factors that can make a huge difference in takings.
“Last year we had some exceptionally hot
weather and record attendances for May,” he said.
“This time the forecast was not so good and
although it only rained on Sunday afternoon it definitely affected the numbers
turning out.
“Add to that the three Bank Holiday weekends
very close together – and the cost of that for families – then things were
down. It is better to have these weekends strung out further apart.
“However, it was not a disaster and we had
7,500 on the Pier on Sunday with 2,000 attending the free fireworks in the evening.
Monday was also better than Saturday.”
Mr Ball said that the Seaside Revival Day
staged on the Greensward seemed to be successful and welcomed all initiatives
to pull in the crowds.
“There is the promise of a hot summer to come
so we shall just have to see if that materialises,” he added.
Clacton Pier welcomed back its circus
presented by Fantasia for the Whitsun holiday and also had free live children’s
and musical entertainment on offer.
The indoor areas – such as Discovery Bay and
the amusements – were busy throughout.
