Mayor visits Southend Pier to celebrate record-breaking year with staff

March 23, 2023

The Mayor of Southend visited Southend Pier in celebration of a record-breaking 2022. The world-famous landmark welcomed 412,300 visitors last year - the highest number that have ever been recorded in a single year.

The Mayor met the pier team responsible for keeping the historic 1.33 mile long pleasure pier open and running smoothly for visitors, and congratulated and thanked them for their contribution to the pier’s success.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, said: “With Southend Pier experiencing so much success and with plenty of exciting developments and plans still ahead, it was important for me to meet the team and individuals responsible for keeping the pier open and running smoothly to ensure all visitors have a fun and memorable experience.

“And from what the team have told me, 2023 is on course to replicate the record-breaking success of last year because 37,000 visitors have already visited last month – a record for February. Thank you to the entire pier team for all their hard work and contribution to the continued success and revitalisation of Southend’s historic and iconic pleasure pier.”

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, added: “I am so proud of the pier team and the pier’s success because we are seeing the results of considerable investment into Southend Pier. This includes our two new eco-friendly electric pier trains which have been transporting visitors up and down the pier in style whilst they enjoy panoramic views of the Thames Estuary. We have also invested £1.2m towards a new pier head pavilion café which is set to open at Easter, and we introduced a new crazy golf course for all the family to enjoy.

“I also want to congratulate the Pier Museum Board, made up of volunteers, for the exceptional work they have done in revamping the museum. It brings back fond memories and new experiences.

“The record number of visitors was also achieved by us extending our tourism season with the addition of our spectacular Halloween Parade which attracted hundreds of extra pier visitors throughout October, and our Santa on the Pier events which boosted visitor numbers in the lead up to Christmas. With an Easter trail coming soon and visiting ships planned for the next few months, there’s more to do on the pier than ever before!”

Visit the Southend Pier website for more information including opening times, event information and pier museum details.