People and the Pier

The West Pier story closely follows the changing fortunes of the English seaside holiday. It began simply as a promenade pier where visitors could enjoy the thrill of walking on water without the hazards of getting wet or being seas ick. It was place for the Victorian middle classes to socialise and exhibit their wealth, to see and be seen, to take in the sea air and admire the panoramic views of the land.

By the First World War it had evolved into a pleasure pier with a great variety of seaside entertainment both indoors and out. Throughout the twenties it was immensely popular with attractions ranging from paddle steamer excursions, daring high divers and bathing from the pier head to military bands, recitals by the pier’s resident orchestra in the Concert Hall and an all-year-round programme of plays, pantomimes and ballets in the Theatre.

When the pier reopened after the Second World War it completed its evolution into a funfair pier. The Theatre was converted into a restaurant on one floor and on the other the ‘Laughter Land’ games pavilion. The Concert Hall became a tea room, and the delights of the dodgems, helter-skelter, ghost train and miniature racing track could be enjoyed by all.

See more photographs of people on the pier during the 19th and 20th Century