Record-breaking visitor numbers enjoy iconic pier

September 14, 2021

Southend Pier welcomed over 74,000 visitors in August, the highest number of visitors since records began 14 years ago.

The record-breaking figures provide a welcome snapshot of visitor numbers to the town in August, highlighting the draw that Southend-on-Sea has as a tourist destination. Even more impressive is the fact the incredible visitor numbers were accommodated by a reduced level of staff due to self-isolations

The 1.33-mile iconic structure is set for a number of exciting changes in the coming months, including the new, eco-friendly pier trains, set to arrive this month, alongside installing additional toilets and updating the Royal Pavilion to provide a restaurant service.

On top of breaking the record for most visitors on the pier in one month, pier visitors for the year to date have already surpassed the total visitor numbers from last year, with a few weeks of the visitor season still to come, as well as further events this year including the exciting HMS Leigh recreation later this month and Santa on the pier later this year.

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, welcomed the news. She said: “The figures really our outstanding. When you take into consideration that we haven’t had the best of weather in recent weeks, for the figures to be so high goes to show how well-loved Southend is for tourism. With so many improvements coming to the pier in the coming months, I am confident that next year, we will smash all types of records.

“I would like to thank the pier staff for making visitors feel so welcome to our town. We have so much to offer, and I believe we can also put the August numbers down to an increase in visitors who are looking to spend the whole weekend here or longer to enjoy what our town has to offer.”