It was a proud day for Clacton Pier as it picked up a prestigious accolade for the best family attraction in Essex.
The award was voted for by the public and the pier beat off stiff competition from the likes of Colchester Zoo.
Representatives of the attraction attended a ceremony at the Old Essex Barn in Kelvedon to collect the honour in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2024.
It was the first time that the pier had won the award and General Manager Harry Peek thanked everyone who made it possible.
“Firstly, we are grateful to every single person who took the time to vote for us both in the preliminary rounds and then in the final when we were pitched against four other top attractions,” he said.
“It is special to win any award but it is extremely satisfying when it is the public who make that choice.
“We are lucky to have very loyal customers – around one million visitors a year – and many really got behind us. We certainly couldn’t have done it without them!”
Mr Peek was also quick to praise the entire team at Clacton Pier who have helped make it such a popular venue.
“In the summer we employee around 200 people from 16 up to their 70s and they have all played their part in our success,” he added.
“They are very much part of a family and each one of them is valued for their efforts.”
Communications Manager Nigel Brown (top right) and Systems and Marketing Executive Darren Griffiths (top left) collected the award on behalf of the entire team.
The pier’s next free fireworks display – which are put on to thank customers for their support – will be on Saturday July 27.
It will be the first of a series to mark the school summer holidays.
PHOTO CREDIT: Group photo of all category winners by Steph Friend Weddings and Film
