Southend wins Pier of the Year 2023
The National Piers Society was delighted to announce that in YEAR OF THE PIER 2023 its coveted annual prize went to SOUTHEND PIER, the longest pleasure pier in the world. CROMER PIER was voted in second place, followed by BRIGHTON PALACE PIER in third.
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Jurassic Pier attraction due to open at Clacton next month
In April, it was announcd that the gates to Jurassic Pier would be unlocked on Saturday, May 27, with a whole weekend of spectacular dinosaur events and activities. The new roof to part of the building was nearing completion and the 4D special effects cinema with motion seating was almost finished bar the final set dressings.
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Southport Pier still unable to open
Safety concerns suffered through adverse weather conditions were blamed for the pier being unable to open all year.Sefton Council said they are unsure when the structure would be able to reopen.
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Harwich Ha’Penny Pier opens moorings for leisure vessels
In April it was announced that Ha’penny Pier, which is manned by Harwich Haven Authority, would open for mooring between 8am and 11am and 1pm and 6pm including weekends and bank holidays.
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Looking back at Totland Bay Pier’s fortunes over the years
Totland Bay became a popular port of call for tourists. Steam ferries from Lymington called 5 times a day. A bus service also connected Totland with Freshwater Railway Station at a cost of 6d (2 1/2p). Pleasure cruises frequently called at Totland Bay Pier. In 1903, a Round-the-Island cruise cost 4s (20p). The fare to Bournemouth was 2s (10p) – £30 in 2023 values.
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Celebrating the legendary nightlife on Morecambe Central Pier during the 1980s
In April, DJs and revellers from the Morecambe Central Pier all-nighters of the 1980s return to the resort to celebrate a special anniversary.
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Remembering the day One Direction visited their favourite pier!
Widely acknowledged to be one of the most successful groups to ever hit the charts, One Direction were once the pin up princes of teenagers across the globe. Back in 2014, Simon Cowell’s wonderkids brought some of their X Factor magic to Clevedon when they visited to film the video for the track ‘You and I’ on the town’s pier.
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A ticket to Ryde from June!
Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) have confirmed that Ryde Pier Head station and the line between there and Ryde Esplanade station will open no later than 10 June, in time for the start of the summer holidays and the Isle of Wight Festival.
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25 facts you may not know about 2023’s Pier of the Year
The landmark 1.3 mile structure has been voted the Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society. Much has been written about the pier’s many fires, including the devastating blazes of 1995 and 2005, about the important role that the pier played during the Second World War and about the many famous faces who have filmed here thanks to Jamie Oliver’s cafe.
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Remembering the 2014 fire at Eastbourne Pier
An electrical problem – started deliberately according to Sussex Police – sparked the fire which tore through the Blue Room and destroyed a number of shops. More than 80 firefighters worked throughout the night to tackle the blaze, which allegedly started in wood panelling in the walls of the games arcade.
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A look back at Alum Bay Pier on the Isle of Wight
The end of the Alum Bay pier came in a storm in 1927, which broke the structure in 2. It was never rebuilt. However, the shore side end of the pier remained in operation until the start of World War II.
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Revamp for Clacton Pier’s Boardwalk Bar
The bar and grill are undergoing a significant facelift costing more than £130,000. The scheme will include the latest in social entertainment technology, new seating and a complete redecoration.
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Brighton’s i360 to become a ‘modern-day West Pier’
Julia Barfield, Chair of Brighton i360, said: “Our vision for Brighton i360 is to create a 21st-century beachside entertainment hub – a modern day West Pier – offering our visitors an exciting mix of world-class attractions, entertainment, eating and drinking options”.
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Planning permission debate rumbles on at Aberystwyth Royal Pier
Owners have applied to Ceredigion County Council planners for two LED display advertising boards, one on the front of the pier, which is the oldest in Wales, and one on the side. Described by Aberystwyth town councillors as “tacky”, owners have defended the need for them in a Heritage Impact Statement submitted as part of an application to gain Listed Building Consent for the project.
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A fascinating insight into Southampton Royal Pier’s ‘wedding cake’ building
Despite a serious fire on the pier in May 1987 and another in 1992, the gatehouse survived. The Royal Pier itself finally closed on December 31, 1979. The present building dates from 1930 and was nicknamed the ‘wedding cake’ by some when new.
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Video shows the transformation of Totland Bay Pier
Robbie Lane from Isle of Wight Guru has put together a one-minute video showing how Totland Pier has been rebuilt and transformed over the last 12 months.
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Spanish galleon to visit Southend Pier
Between Wednesday 24 May and Monday 29 May, the 200ft long ship will be docked at the end of the pier and open to visitors between 10.30am to 7pm. Museum staff in period costumes will be on the ship to tell visitors more about life on the ship.
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You’ve got the book – now visit the exhibition!
The stories of Britain’s piers will be told in an exhibition of paintings at Farnham Maltings from April 28 until May 26. Artist Paul Tracey has put them all, including Eastbourne, in his book 100 Piers – Paintings at the Water’s Edge.
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Waverley is set to return to Bristol Channel this summer
To mark ‘Year of the Pier’ a special evening fundraising cruise for Clevedon Pier will take place on Sunday June 11 with all proceeds going to the upkeep of the historic pier.
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