Skegness Pier 125th Anniversary Celebrations
Written by Angela Gooch on April 28th, 2008 in Historical Buildings, Jolly Fisherman, Social History, Tourist Attractions.
news story date 29th July 2006
Skegness Pier celebrated its 125th anniversary today. And what an absolutely fabulous day it was!
Built in 1881, the pier was reduced to its present length by storms and flood in 1978. Over half a million pounds has been spent on refurbishing the pier by its present owners. It’s one of the leading entertainment centres in Great Britain, having over one million visitors each year.
The Mayor of Skegness, Coun Phil Kemp, officially opened the newly refurbished pier on its 125th anniversary. Coun Kemp said that he was a little disappointed that he wasn’t asked to open the pier originally, but he was pleased to be there today. He said everyone was sorry that the scheduled fly past of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire fighter plane had to be canceled due to adverse weather conditions at RAF Coningsby.
The Mayor is pictured below with his wife, Lynda Kemp, Mayoress of Skegness, Billy Brewer, mascot of Batemans Beer, Dino the Dinosaur, mascot of Skegness Pier and Salty the Seal, mascot of the Skegness Standard newspaper.
After the official reopening, hundreds of spectators were treated to a dancing show by the Slovakian Appalachian Clog Dancers.
photos below:Dino the Dinosaur, the mascot of Skegness Pier, Salty the Seal, the Jolly Fisherman, mascot of Skegness, Billy Brewer and other cuddly mascots.
Children were mesmerized by a Magic Show and Punch & Judy.
One of the big highlights of the day was the Skuttle Race across the Pier by the various Mascots:
Under starters orders, they all line up ready for the race.
3…2…1…and they’re OFF!
Penguin won the race.
Jolly Fisherman, in pure, unhurried English Gentlemanly style, walked unruffled to the finishing line.
Elephant? well poor Elephant was last!
below: Beve’s Dancers entertaining the crowds
Fran (waving) and son, Jack were having a wonderful time….
…and so were the crowds!
Videos below: the official opening by the Mayor of Skegness and the Skuttle Race and the fabulous Slovakian Appalachian Clog Dancers.
The pier was crowded with spectators who had gathered to watch the mock rescues by the Skegness Lifeboat.
The mock rescues by the Skegness Lifeboat of a yatch, a jet ski and Dino, the mascot of Skegness Pier, were captured on video and are on the Lifeboat Week page.
The day culminated with the grand switch on of Skegness Illuminations and a Fireworks Display.
- Old Pier Head Demolished
- Lifeboat Week
- Skegness Pier Imminent Danger of Collapse
- Snake Pit under Skegness Pier
- Swimming Entertainment Pier Head
- Pier Head Demolished
- Oasis Amusements (Pier View Hotel) Refurbished
- Santa Fun Run VIDEO PHOTOS Skegness
- Bizarre Suicide Attempt Skegness Pier
- Rare Birds Shot in Skegness
