February 8, 2022

Hopes are high for a bumper February half term of family fun at Clacton Pier.

Rides – including the return of the popular big wheel – will be open throughout the school holiday and many visitors will be looking to make the most of several special offers.

The pier has teamed up with the National Lottery this winter to help reduce costs for its customers.

This includes a half price annual pass for £24.99 and the opportunity to get a free Big Day Out Band, also worth £24.99. Both are available when buying a lottery ticket.

Alternatively, families can make the most of half price rides during half term and the remaining weekends in February.

Pier director Billy Ball said that the discounts through the National Lottery scheme have gone down well.

“With the cost of living rising across the board, families are looking for good deals where they can save a few quid,” he said.

“After the past couple of years, parents still want to take the kids out for some much-needed fun but without breaking the bank.

“The offers in place at the moment mean it will never be cheaper to get an annual pass and a Big Day Out Band is free when buying a lottery ticket.”

Mr Ball added that the attraction was closed last February due to Covid rules, and everyone is looking forward to a bumper week.

“Fingers crossed we are going to have a normal trading year in 2022 which is great news for the leisure industry which has had to survive very difficult times,” he said.

“I think some people are still looking at staycations as a better alternative to going abroad and that has to be good for towns like Clacton and Tendring as a whole.”

The big wheel structure is already in place and the cars and canopies, which are being refurbished, will be installed ready to go operational at half term.

Other rides, such as the flying elephants and waltzers have undergone a facelift and will be back soon.

“The number of rides operating at this time of year is always weather dependent but even if some have to close, we have a host of indoor attractions for all ages to enjoy,” added Mr Ball.

Details of all offers are on the pier website www.clactonpier.co.uk

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