The National Piers Society is delighted to announce that for the third time its coveted annual prize will go to
CROMER PIER

LLANDUDNO PIER was voted in second place, followed by SWANAGE PIER in third.

‘They have everything a great pier should have and there’s always people visiting it for the entertainment, dining, views, or the crabbing!’*
Cromer Pier is a real success story, proving that piers can cater to all age groups and draw visitors in to boost the local economy. Pier owner, North Norfolk District Council has committed to a rolling maintenance programme that has allowed lessees Openwide Coastal the confidence to invest in high quality facilities and the much-loved end-of-the-pier variety show. This is now the only summer show of its kind in the world and has been extended to the Christmas period, achieving record-breaking ticket sales in 2023 despite cost of living pressures and rising costs.

‘The jewel of the North Norfolk Coast.’*
Cromer got its first jetty back in 1822 but heavy seas washed that away after two decades and its successor was also lost to the waves in 1890. The current pier opened in 1901 with the Pavilion Theatre added four years later. The 151m structure is now Grade II listed and offers visitors a range of attractions including the recently upgraded Pavilion Bar, Tides Bistro, ice cream kiosk and gift shop. NPS members enjoy seeing the lifeboat station as well as the high quality touring shows and love the views from the pier, not to mention its picturesque location at the foot of the cliffs. Events such as Folk on the Pier and the Vintage Sixties Festival have also proved hugely popular. Cromer last won Pier of the Year in 2015 and since then has gone from strength to strength, a fact recognised in the award for 2024.

‘Simply our favourite for 50 years and it remains so.’*

(*Comments from National Piers Society members)

General Manager Sean Garrett said the accolade was a source of enormous pride for the entire pier staff: ‘We have built a great team at Cromer, fully committed to ensuring the best possible visitor experience on the pier. It is a privilege to be a part of the Cromer success story, and recognition by the National Piers Society is a huge boost for everyone.’

North Norfolk District Council leader Tim Adams said ‘We cannot thank the National Piers Society enough for this prestigious award. With new investment about to be made in the pier theatre, both for backstage artists facilities and dressing rooms and the auditorium, this award is wonderful”.

Rory Holburn, CEO of Openwide Coastal, lessees of the pier described the award as ‘a huge honour for everyone involved in the pier’s success and we look forward to welcoming even more people to Cromer Pier throughout this very special year.’

The Society’s Chairman, Tim Wardley said of the members decision, ‘I was delighted to discover Cromer are once again very worthy winners, with the wonderful piers of Llandudno and Swanage running a very close second and third. Our members are certainly a knowledgeable group of people which makes the award so special each year, voted for by the largest membership of pier experts and enthusiasts in the world. Congratulations Cromer!’

For further information please contact:
Bethany Graham, Sales and Marketing Manager, Cromer Pier and Pavilion Theatre
Email: bgraham@cromerpier.co.uk
OR
Kathryn Ferry, Media Relations Officer, National Piers Society
Email: press@piers.org.uk
See also:
www.cromerpier.co.uk
Cromer Pier, National Piers Society

Image attribution:
Cromer Pier Drone Shot by permission of cxh.studios
Pavilion Cast shot by William Jarvis Photography