Clacton Pier's Halloween festival has successful launch

The event began over the weekend, and both Saturday and Sunday were busy with the weather staying mainly dry throughout.

Harry Peek, general manager at Clacton Pier, said: "We have a great product and the reception has been very good so far, no doubt helped by the decent weather.

Face your fears in Misery Mansion (Image: Clacton Pier)

"We are hoping that it stays that way and we get a much-needed and welcome boost from a busy half term.

"Families have taken advantage of early online booking offers – one of which is still available and will save them money.

"People are definitely looking for good value for money and our out of season festivals and events are an extremely important part of our programme."

Pier team member Sam Kantor in costume (Image: Clacton Pier)

The Creepy Crawly Cabin has been expanded for the festival and features scorpions, spiders, African land snails, thorny stick insects, and giant millipedes.

Younger visitors have been enjoying pumpkin carving at the pier’s pumpkin patch, as well as a live Halloween stage show featuring Sidney.

Resident witch Pierella has also been entertaining crowds with spooky tales.

Half term treat for (left to right) Jude Sherrington, Finlay Ashwell, Sunny Sherrington, and Sid Ashwell (Image: Clacton Pier)

Other highlights include the Misery Mansion haunted house and the Ghost Train: 4D experience.

The best deal is the Frightfully Fun Band which includes an entry to Misery Mansion, Creepy-Crawly Cabin, Pumpkin Patch, and Ghost Train: 4D as well as unlimited rides (excluding Go Karts and Big Wheel), 18 holes of Adventure Golf and five video games credits.

Resident witch Pierella reads a scary tale (Image: Clacton Pier)

The band costs £19.99 if purchased online in advance, or £24.99 on the day.

The Halloween festival continues until Sunday, November 2, with nearly 2,000 pumpkins ordered to meet demand.

Attractions are open daily from 11am to 5pm.

Full details and booking information are available at clactonpier.co.uk.

Toasting marshmallows for the kids at Clacton Pier (Image: Clacton Pier)

Pier mascot Sidney the Seagull and his friend Jess entertain the crowds (Image: Clacton Pier)

Creepy Crawly Cabin’s Nick Moore shows off the giant millipedes (Image: Clacton Pier)

Mr Bones the skeleton welcomes guests to the Halloween festival (Image: Clacton Pier)