It was a weekend full of fun and sun for the annual Clacton Pier Carnival event.
Families packed the attraction from 6pm on Friday evening making the most of a special discounted £10 rides wristband offer.
Saturday – which included the carnival procession – was the busiest day and was rounded off with a spectacular free fireworks display watched by hundreds on site and along the seafront.
It was the fifth consecutive year the pier has joined with Clacton Carnival Association to help boost funds raised for local charities and organisations.
The event gets the carnival week off to a bumper start and sets the ideal atmosphere for the activities that follow.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said the weather was perfect throughout.
“We are delighted to work with the carnival association in what is one of the most important community events on the town’s calendar,” he added.
“The owners will be making their usual significant donation to the coffers which all goes to good causes.
“The collaboration began as a one night trial and was extended to three last year. We look forward to it continuing that way.”
Both pier mascot Sidney and carnival mascot Honey Bear were on hand to meet their young fans and have photos taken.
Kerry Primmer, Clacton Carnival Association chair, said that the weekend was a huge success.
“We were blessed with the weather and the crowds really turned out in their droves to support us,” she said.
“We are very grateful for the pier’s backing, their donation and the fact they count all the money from the procession in their machines for us.”
Clacton Carnival began on the pier in 1922 when it was organised by then owner Ernest Kingsman.
This weekend the pier will stage another free summer holiday fireworks display from the end of the attraction at around 9.30pm.
