Eastbourne Pier is reopening less than two months after fire ripped through the front end of the Victorian attraction
A packed programme of entertainment for all the family will mark the reopening this weekend and is set to draw hundreds of people who will be able to walk on the pier for the first time since the blaze.
A walkway has been built along the eastern side of the pier so visitors can access the two-thirds of the structure which was not destroyed by the fire.
They will also be able to see the burnt-out Blue Room – initially a ballroom and more recently used as an amusement arcade – through viewing panels that have been installed in panelling alongside the walkway.
Kiosk owners will be trading from their pier premises again and a new shop, Coffee Republic, is also opening on the pier on Saturday.
The family fun day starts at noon on Saturday with big band music and there will be face painting, stiltwalkers, juggling and balloon modelling shows, and performances from various musicians throughout the afternoon until 6pm.
The party atmosphere will continue on Sunday with more family entertainment and music between noon and 4.45pm.
Anyone seeking Saturday evening entertainment is invited to Atlantis nightclub at the end of the pier where Geordie Shore stars Hollie and Marnie will be joining DJs and dancers for a night of celebration.
Christos Stylianou, General Manager of Eastbourne Pier, said: “We’ve been working hard to get the pier reopened as soon as possible and are very excited about welcoming people back onto it.
“There will be entertainment for the whole family on Saturday and Sunday so everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy themselves.
“This weekend is a celebration of the huge progress made in such a short time and a show of our appreciation to people in the town who have been so supportive in helping us get the pier back into operation.”
