Western Daily Press (Saturday)
£10k appeal to help light up pier
CLEVEDON’S historic pier will be lit up again for Christmas. The grade I-listed pier was illuminated for the first time in its history last year, with thousands of people visiting the landmark during the festive period.
Now trustees say they will be bringing back the lights and have launched an appeal to help cover the £10,000 cost of the project. Low intensity lighting will be installed along the whole length of the 1,036ft pier.
Last year’s display formed a ‘river of colour’ along the whole walkway, with additional lighting put on the pier pagoda. Trustees say they hope to enhance the 2023 display further.
A special switch-on event will also be held, with the date due to be confirmed. The pier will be open Thursdays and Fridays in the run-up to Christmas from 5pm-7pm.
Entry to the pier will be free on those evenings to visit. The pagoda at the end of the pier and the Glass Box will both be open for refreshments.
Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust chair of trustees Phil Curme said: “Last year the decision to light the pier for Christmas was really well received with more than 5,000 people visiting us in the evenings during the festive period to enjoy the illuminations. It is our ambition to enhance the display even further for 2023.
“Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to brightening up Clevedon Pier once again. The lights will be on every evening and the pier open on Thursday and Friday evenings. We hope people will support our fundraising drive to make the pier sparkle for the festive season.”
The plan to light up the pier comes at the same time as Clevedon Community Lights Group is working on plans to make the town sparkle this yuletide. The lights group is planning to once again illuminate Alexandra Park and Pier Copse and surrounding areas. There are also plans to enhance the existing town council display in the area known as ‘the village’ around Queens Square.
Funding for the lighting scheme has been received from Clevedon Town Council, Clevedon BID and local businesses with a fundraising appeal also being launched in the coming weeks.
A winter fair will also be held in Hill Road on December 7 with stalls selling festive goodies and treats.