A SUMMER of success saw more than 160,000 visitors make the trip along Southend’s iconic 1.3-mile pleasure pier thanks to a jam-packed calendar of events. 

After a dip in visitors and potential plans to bring a private operator in to run the pier, Southend Council put on a series of events including summer parties and bank holiday bonanzas to entice residents and tourists to visit. 

Fresh figures have revealed between June and August 160,000 people visited the pier with a whopping 60,000 in August alone. 

The Bank Holiday weekend bonanza was a hit with residents and saw performances from the Old Time SailorsThe Bank Holiday weekend bonanza was a hit with residents and saw performances from the Old Time Sailors (Image: Newsquest)


The positive figures come months after the council reported a drop in visitors, sparking the new Labour administration to announce a huge schedule of events over the summer. 

Matt Dent, councillor for culture, tourism, and business, said: “From the lively Southend Pier Summer Party in June, with its amazing live performances, to the return of the Galeón Andalucía, this summer has been all about bringing people together.

Crusies on the Waverley paddle steamer have been particularly popularCrusies on the Waverley paddle steamer have been particularly popular (Image: The Waverley)


“Whether it was families enjoying a day out, friends catching up over ice cream, or visitors admiring the sights, the pier has been buzzing with life and laughter. It has been wonderful to see everyone making the most of what Southend Pier has to offer.”

Councillors announced a decision to “prioritise events” in July after visitor numbers took a hit - with 20,959 fewer people visiting in the 2023 compared with the previous year.

 

September's City Jam event saw the pier transformed by street artistsSeptember's City Jam event saw the pier transformed by street artists (Image: Visit Southend)

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news and testament to all the hard work our culture and tourism team put into expanding our offers on the pier.

“We’ve had so many fantastic events over the summer, and it’s generally just been a fantastic time. The pier has always been described as the jewel in the crown for Southend and I think it has always been incredibly important to our heritage what it means to our city.”

The council are keen to seize upon the success of the summer and make the most of the pier during the winter months.

Mr Dent added: “As we move into winter, we’re excited to keep this energy going. With Southend Halloween Parade in October and Christmas festivities kicking off soon after, there will be plenty of opportunities to continue enjoying Southend Pier.”