April 13, 2020

Thousands of fireworks fans enjoyed a free extravaganza put on by Clacton Pier.

The Coronavirus lockdown meant that last night’s (Sunday April 12) display by Dynamic Fireworks could not take place.

So, to take the entertainment into people’s homes, the Pier – along with help from Adam Smith at AJDroneography – came up with a four-minute video which was posted on Facebook and Instagram.

It had been taken by drone by Adam at one of last May’s Bank Holiday displays.

Nigel Brown, the Pier’s communications manager, said that efforts have been made to come up with entertainment on social media while the site is closed.

“Lots of people have been saying they are missing the Pier, so we have tried to cheer people up – and, at the same time get the Government’s message to ‘Stay Home’ across to everyone,” he said.

“It is quite right that Pier is closed and that we all do what we can to support NHS staff, emergency services, carers and all key workers at this difficult time. We owe them that – and much more.

“But it is also important that we all try to keep our spirits up as we get through this together. It will not be like this forever.

“We contacted Adam, whose business is in Manningtree as he did a video last year and he was delighted to be able to help out. We could not have put on the display without him.

“It allowed us to take it into homes without anyone having to venture outside.”

Mr Brown added that Dynamic Fireworks from Colchester were disappointed they could not do their normal display from the Pier. However, they have been showing videos of fireworks outside hospitals for patients and staff.

The Pier also put on a successful virtual Easter Egg hunt on Sunday which proved very popular. Almost 300 people took part.