Hastings scoops Pier Of The Year accolade

It narrowly beat Worthing, which came second for the third year running, while Llandudno once again took third place in the 21st year of the compeititon.

Hastings was one of 14 piers built by the master pier engineer Eugenius Birch (1818-84) and opened on 5 August 1872.

It was the first true pleasure pier, devoted to entertainment, and 24,000 visitors paid 2d each to stroll along it that first week.

Official opening of Hastings Pier. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160522-132401001

At its head was a 2,000 seat oriental-style pavilion, where a pier orchestra played and leading music hall stars such as Marie Lloyd and Harry Lauder appeared.

In addition there were animated pictures, open air dancing, joy riding and a shooting range, while self-styled ‘Professor’ Davenport rode a bicycle into the sea!

New buildings including a camera obscura were added throughout the 1930s, and the piling was strengthened; but all this activity came to a halt in 1940, when the pier was taken over by the army and a 75ft section removed to prevent enemy landings.

The pier reopened in 1946 and quickly regained its pre-war popularity; as well as the pavilion there were amusement arcades, shops, bars, restaurants, bingo and even a zoo.

Official opening of Hastings Pier. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160522-132316001

In August 1964 The Rolling Stones played to a capacity audience in the pier ballroom; they were followed by The Who and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

By the 1980s, however, the Golden Age was coming to an end.

A succession of owners made unsuccessful applications for grants towards the cost of repairing storm damage, and in 2008 the National Piers Society declared that Hastings Pier was ‘in mortal danger’.

Two years later a fire completely destroyed the pier ballroom and quickly engulfed the entire structure.

Madness playing at the Grand Opening Gala of Hastings Pier. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160522-132553001

In due course Hastings Borough Council was persuaded to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owners, and handed the pier over to a newly formed Trust.

In 2012 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the huge sum of £11.4 million towards complete restoration, the reminder being raised locally and regionally.

The pier reopened to the public in spring last year and has already been a huge success.

Commenting on the Pier Of The Year award Maria Ludkin, chair of the Hastings Pier Trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our wonderful community-owned pier has won this prestigious award.

Opening of ROOT1066 on Hastings Pier: iy_Project:The nature of sound and light. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-161109-171851001

“It is thanks to our dedicated staff, hardworking volunteers and all the visitors who have supported us.”

Gavin Henderson, president of the National Piers Society, said: “Well done Hastings, truly a Phoenix, and a great example for other restoration battles!”

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Christmas events on Hastings Pier. Photo by Sid Saunders.
Special guest was Jane Beedle a finalist from the Great British Bake Off, who judged the gingerbread competition. SUS-161112-082000001 — Christmas events on Hastings Pier. Photo by Sid Saunders. Special guest was Jane Beedle a finalist from the Great British Bake Off, who judged the gingerbread competition. SUS-161112-082000001

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