ONE of Clacton's best-loved entertainers is resurrected in a special trip down memory lane this week.

Clown Bertram performed in the town for 18 seasons between 1922 and 1939.

The entertainer – real name Albert Edward Harvey – already had some experience of entertaining children at schools

and birthday parties in London when he asked Clacton Pier owner Ernest Kingsman for a job.

He was given a week’s trial - which lasted an astonishing 18 years.

At first Bertram appeared in the open with a large carpet for the children to sit on and deckchairs for the

mums and dads.

Accompanied by ventriloquist's dummy Filbert, Bertram performed songs on his banjo and magic.

He became an overnight success and was so popular that Mr Kingsman built him his own 500-seater venue – the Children’s Theatre – near the end of the pier.

Queues formed hours before performances were due to start so Clown Bertram was moved to into the recently reopened Jolly Roger Theatre.

It seated more than 1,000, people but still regularly sold out.

The show ended when war broke out in 1939 and Clown Bertram never returned to the pier.

He died in 1953, not long after giving his last show in Weeley Village Hall.

Clacton historian will give a talk about Clown Bertram at Jaywick Martello Tower today at 12noon.

It is followed by a tribute to the entertainer by the Grand Theatre of Lemmings at 1pm, who relive Tendring's seaside heritage with comedy, magic, music and a flea circus.

Further performances take place throughout the afternoon.

The events are part of the Lemmings' Resorting to the Coast Seaside Frolics Tour.

The tour continues on the seafront at Frinton on Friday, Walton on Saturday and Clacton on Sunday, from 12noon to 4pm.