What is effectively an over-water theme park on the east coast of the UK is readying itself for the season with an influx of new product.
Clacton Pier Company runs the largest pleasure pier in Europe, its attractions capacity reaching 6.5 acres. “Many people think of a pier’s amusements as being cramped into limited space,” said general manager Harry Peek (pictured) this week.
“We have so much available area that we can have two roller coasters and a host of other rides too,” he said.
Peek oversees an operation that will employ over 200 full and part-time staff at the height of the 2025 season. Yet this is slightly down on last year.
“Our present directors have been in charge of this operation for 16 years now,” he said, “and they are very knowledgeable about the industry. They have invested in new projects every year to keep our offer fresh.
"We see this year as one in which we can take stock and consolidate at a time of increased costs, logistical problems and the general economy.”
The operation is within the constituency of Nigel Farage and he is no stranger to Clacton Pier, the board having taken the opportunity last year to entertain a visit from the Reform UK leader and make him fully aware of the challenges facing the industry.
“He is a keen supporter of the seaside hospitality industry and we believe will be sympathetic towards our business,” said Peek.
For the company, he said, the priority in the White Paper proposals would be stakes and prizes, as well as debit card opportunities on B3 and Cat C machines to support both the pier's FEC and AGC operations.
Coming into the huge 150-machine arcade for the new season is a new unattended VR Fighter Jet and a big new three-player Carnival Wheel by Movie Power in conjunction with Mellors Entertainments.
They will supplement the FEC section that takes up most of the arcade, with the extensive redemption and pusher portfolio providing the foundation.
Outside, in addition to a plethora of F&B facilities, the huge rides area takes in the Pinfari-built Looping Star coaster, the White Water log flume, helter-skelter, dodgems, bowling, Ferris wheel, Twister, waltzer, trampolines and range of other attractions for all ages.
Having now celebrated its 150th anniversary (2021), the pier remains one of the most successful on the east coast, even being named a local icon and receiving the accolade of Pier of the Year in 2020.
