Pier and Carnival join forces

Clacton Pier and Clacton Carnival Association have joined forces to stage a new family fun event this summer.

The August carnival week programme has had to be scaled down due to Covid regulations for the second year running.

It means that the popular procession has had to be cancelled once again – much to the disappointment of the organising committee.

But the iconic seaside attraction offered to put on a special evening as part of the 150 year celebrations of the town and Pier.

Paul Townend, chairman of the Clacton Carnival Association, said the committee was delighted to accept the offer and feels it will bring something new to the week.

“It has been a huge disappointment to us and the community that we cannot hold the procession once again this year and have had to scale down events. It was a terribly sad decision that we had to make; there was no chance of the procession going ahead under the current circumstances,” he said.

“Within days the Pier came forward with the suggestion of a Carnival Pier Night on Friday August 20 and it put a smile back on our faces.

“It is the first time we have teamed up with the Pier but hopefully it won’t be the last! We have always had the support of businesses in the town, and this is another example of that.”

There will be special deals for those attending the event and a donation will be made to the Clacton Carnival Association.

The Pier will be putting on free live musical entertainment outside the Boardwalk Bar and Grill and will be paying for a host of children’s characters and superheroes to attend, provided by Ash-Le Entertainment from Southend. The event will run from 6pm until late.

Pier director Billy Ball said he was pleased to be able to help out and provide an extra attraction for the carnival programme.

“A team of volunteers at Clacton Carnival Association have been providing so much fun and entertainment for our community for many, many years,” he said.

“Through no fault of their own their programme has been curtailed again this year and as part of our 150th birthday celebrations we were keen to offer our support.”

Mr Townend added that the Donkey Derby is also cancelled this year and to find out the very latest information go to the carnival website, clactoncarnival.org