Grand Pier Latest News
Grand Pier Topping Out Ceremony
4th February 2010
Yesterday, (Wednesday 3rd February) saw the "Topping Out Ceremony" carried out on Weston super Mare’s Grand Pier. The re-building of the famous landmark, which was devastated by fire in July 2008, is now well on the way and scheduled to re-open this summer.
After tightening the last bolt to secure the roof onto the north east tower, Pier owner Kerry Michael addressed more than 100 people who attended the ceremony, he thanked the Main contractors John Sisk & Son Limited and all the workforce, particularly those who had worked through the recent poor weather conditions and he also said that despite currently being behind schedule, he was confident the works would finish on time.
The Grand Pier is scheduled to re-open in June following a £39 million re-building programme that includes state of the art rides sourced from all over the world. Kerry said, "Having overcome the initial shock and despair of losing the Pavilion, we went through difficult process of obtaining all the necessary permissions and now finally, we are in the exciting phase where we can see the building taking shape every day. The internal fit out begins next week and we can’t wait for the day it opens".
Grand Pier opens for Sport Relief
2nd February 2010
Sainsbury’s Sport Relief is coming to the Grand Pier. The Weston Mile has moved from its former home at Hutton Moor sports centre to Weston’s Grand Pier. The run is to take place up and down the waist (the long bit between the shore and the Pier head), so runners and spectators will get a sneak preview of the multi-million pound re-development.
Grand Pier Marketing Manager Helen Ritchie said, "We plan to stage the event along the waist of the Pier with runners going up and down each side around the spectators who will have a close up view of both the new Pavilion and the runners from their vantage point right in the middle of the run. This will be the first time that the general public will get a close up view of the New Pavilion which is now really taking shape and should be complete externally by the day of the race".
The televised event which can be seen on BBC1, will take place on Sunday March 21st starting from 2pm. Runners can choose to run 1, 3 or 6 miles and they are encouraged to get as much sponsorship as possible. All the money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the World’s poorest countries.
Grand Pier management and staff will also be taking part in the event having entered their own team. If you would like to sponsor the team please go to www.sportrelief.com and click on "sponsor/donate", then search for the Grand Pier.
If you’re feeling fit and fancy a sneak peek at the new Pavilion, why not enter your own team and join us or just come along and watch and support the fundraising on the Grand Pier on March 21st.
Weather Allows Work to Continue
19th January 2010
After three weeks of waiting, the weather finally thawed last Friday and made it possible for the first concrete to be poured on the Grand Pier since the re-build started last September. Concrete was pumped from the shore along the entire length of the waist and contractors were able to create the floor of the 3rd floor plant room and the 250 seater conference room at the front of the second floor overlooking the town.
A relieved Richard Sutton of John Sisk & Co, the Main Contractor said, "we have been waiting for over three weeks for the weather to break so we could pour the concrete, if it wasn't bad enough having to pump it a quarter of a mile, the inclement weather meant it kept freezing before it got to where we needed it. We are pleased to have finally managed to get it out there and weather permitting, we hope to do another large pour next Wednesday".
Visitors to the seafront can now see the beginning of a 100-metre long and 20 metre high scaffolding ramp being created in front of the new Pavilion. This is to give access so the roof sheets can be rolled at the shore in one piece and carried along the waist and onto the roof. Each piece is over 80 metres long, this is to ensure that there are no joins that could give rise to troublesome leaks in the future.
They are usually rolled and lifted straight onto the roof but the machine that is used weighs more than 25 tons and cannot be taken onto the Pier so the sheets will have to be carried out and lifted into place by hand. Owner Kerry Michael said, "this is just one of the many logistical problems we have had to overcome on this project. I can only applaud the way the contractors (John Sisk) continue to overcome the unique challenges that are being thrown at them. Let's hope the worst of the weather is now behind us and we can manage to claw back the lost time".
Panoramic Tower Delay
8th January 2010
The Panoramic Tower at the Grand Pier won’t be ready in time for the re-opening this summer. The deal with the original Italian suppliers fell through and despite sourcing a new supplier, delivery date guarantees were not forthcoming.
Kerry Michael said, "we have to be open as soon as possible and we are not prepared to risk a delay to the re-opening for the sake of the tower. Therefore, we will open as planned and continue our negotiations with the new manufacturer so that we can have the tower in place for the following season. We are still committed to delivering it as promised but we need to make sure everything is right, for example, the foundations that are already in place were designed for the original tower and are likely to require modification and because the design is slightly different, we may even require an amendment to our planning permission and there is simply not enough time to do this and meet the re-opening date this summer.
Although the current weather conditions are providing their own challenges for us, we are confident that The Grand Pier will re-open on time and we cannot let anything affect that. We will still have 18 brand new rides and attractions for everyone to enjoy and the tower will give us all something to look forward to the following summer season."
On track for summer opening
5th January 2010
The Grand Pier rebuild has progressed well over the Christmas period. The steel forming the upper floors has been installed and although not yet waterproof, most of the roof sheeting has also been installed. The general shape of the building and towers is now clearly visible.
Kerry Michael said, "The weather is quite kind to us at the moment without much wind, however the cold weather means that we cannot pour concrete to create the floors. Hopefully if we get a break in the cold weather next week, we can catch up then.
The large floating barge and crane have completed their work and have now left site. The remaining works will be completed using the spud leg barge, although we will probably need the big barge back again to erect the Panoramic Tower when that is delivered."
The Re-build is Racing Ahead!s
14th December 2009
The Grand Pier re-build is racing ahead. Most of the structural steelwork for the Main Pavilion has now been erected and contractors are starting on the new building which is going on the Pier head. The large steel panels that cover the entire surface area of the Pavilion creating the new floor have also now been installed.
The first roof sheets are going on and cladding has started to the north elevation. Progress with this should significantly increase this week as a number of additional staff have been drafted in to speed up the build. The front of the new building has been scaffolded to facilitate access.
Pier owner Kerry Michael said, ‘although contractors have been working for most of this year, their work was mostly beneath the deck and it’s only now that the building is springing up above the deck that people can actually see what’s happening.
We are receiving hundreds of letters and emails every week and the web cam hits are growing every single day so people are really noticing what’s going on. We expect to carry on making good progress and we are confident of achieving our opening date, the only threat is the weather but the last few days have been good for us.
Creative thinking needed to solve Grand Pier challenges
11th November 2009
How do you get a 60 tonne crane onto a jack up barge that is 240m out to sea and is 30 times too heavy to move down the Pier?
You build a ramp, 20 metres long and 3 metres high out of sand to allow the crane to drive from the last point of the shore that it can reach, to the barge.
The new “jack-up” barge was tested this week to make sure that it can be properly secured in the Weston mud. With this test successfully passed, the ramp will now be created with 2 diggers and 2 dumpers taking sand from inside the Grand Pier fence line. After the crane has reached the safety of the barge, the sand will be replaced.
Joint owner of the Pier Kerry Michael said: “This is one of many creative solutions that we have had to come up with to solve the challenges that are created in building this extraordinary Pier. I’m sure there will be many more improvisations before we are finished!”
Richard Sutton is the Senior Contracts Manager for main contractor John Sisk. He said: “We have checked with Natural England about moving the sand and they have given us the all clear as there will be no problem or harm to the environment. The ramp was the quickest method to put the crane on the barge.”
Happy birthday Grand Pier!
5th November 2009
The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare will quietly celebrate its 106th birthday on Saturday. On 7th November 1903 work started on the building of the original Grand Pier. The contractors were Mayoh & Hayley of London. The celebration will be low-key because the focus of the company is directed completely towards the rebuilding.
The Grand Pier always has a bursting email box with followers from around the world. Recently received was an email from Anne Mayoh, the grand-daughter of Arthur Mayoh, of Mayoh & Hayley. Anne is also the daughter of Karl Mayoh who worked on the Pier in 1931. She now lives in Australia.
Kerry Michael, owner of the Grand Pier said: “We were so pleased that Anne got in touch with us as we love receiving interesting items for our social history files. I have invited Anne and her husband to attend one of our opening events and I very much hope she will visit the new Pier and be impressed by our work.”
Read all about it!
4th November 2009
The story of Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier will start unfolding along the seafront hoardings surrounding the Pier’s building site from next Thursday (12th November). The 180 square meters of hoardings are currently painted white but soon will show a complete time-line of the Pier, following its history from the original opening in 1904 to the present day.
Pier Owner Kerry Michael said: “These barren hoardings will soon be brought to life. The design is packed with information, facts and figures, photographs, history and fun. It will make the walk along that part of the seafront more interesting as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. A special children’s area has been created and “peep holes” will be cut into the design so everyone can see what is going on. We wanted the design up in time for the Carnival.”
The designs have been produced by the Grand Pier using its own archive material and items sent in from the public. Some reproductions, such as a front page of the Weston & Somerset Mercury showing pictures of the 2008 fire will also appear. The designs will be digitally printed on pvc banner material and produced in 10 ft lengths.
The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare - going up!
26th October 2009
Work has started this morning (Monday), erecting the frame of the new Pavilion building on Weston's Grand Pier. More than 100 tonnes of steel per week will be used to form the structure of the new building. In total more than 1,100 tonnes of steel is being supplied by local firm Hayley Engineering for the project. This means that the appearance of the Pier will start to change quickly now that the first columns are in place. The specially constructed structural floor is still being laid and this work will continue keeping just ahead of the framing works. The roof lining and cladding will start once the front section of the building frame is erected which is scheduled before the end of November.
Pier owner Kerry Michael said, "Following months of hard work by all the design team and more than £9million having been invested to date, we are delighted to see the building rising above the deck. We are all looking forward to when it is watertight so we can start installing all the fabulous rides and attractions we have gathered together from all around the World. Next June and the re-opening can't come soon enough".
The Grand Pier moves into constructive phase
23rd October 2009
After £9 million has been spent on clearing the debris, driving in piles and making good the basic structure of the Pier, visible construction has now started.
In the last three weeks, approximately one third of the structural metal decking units have been laid. The metal decking units, made from polyurethane sandwiched in between 5mm steel sheets, are usually used in ship building. They are nearly 10 metres long and 2 metres wide and are being placed on to new structural steels to form the deck of the Pier’s new main pavilion.
Read full story.....
Weston on the map for trade visit
16th October 2009
A record turn out of over 100 members of the UK’s largest leisure industry association representing commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and static attractions sector visited the West Country yesterday.
BALPPA, the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions visited Wookey Hole, Bristol Zoo and Brean Leisure Park before moving onto Weston where the group has not been for over 17 years. In Weston, the members had a sumptuous 3-course lunch at the Thatched Cottage Restaurant on Weston super Mare's seafront and a presentation on the rebuilding of the Pier from Kerry Michael, joint owner of the Pier. The group then took a tour of the Pier building site.
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Churchill School students on Grand Pier mission
12th October 2009
Five A2 level product design students from Churchill School received special permission to go onto the Grand Pier building site as background for their design projects.
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Safe haven for Grand Pier barges
06th October 2009
A new deep-water anchor site at Brean Down is being arranged for Weston’s Grand Pier barges so that they can take cover close by when bad weather threatens.
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Grand Pier finds solution to latest weather problem
1st October 2009
With force 8 gales predicted over the next few days, the first barge working on the Grand Pier will be moved today to Cardiff docks and return on Monday 5th October, weather permitting.
Although this will slow down the progress this week on the decking that is currently being laid, a solution has been found so that work will be able to press ahead and keep on track.
Read full story.....
The Grand Pier’s got talent
07th September 2009
When the WSM STREETFEST hits town on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September opposite the Tropicana, there will be plenty of scope to show off your dance moves.
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Contractor to rebuild Weston Pier announced
05th August 2009
The contractor to rebuild the new pavilion at Weston-super-Mare’s historic pier has been appointed.
With the piling work now complete and the enabling work to strengthen the pier structure progressing, John Sisk & Son will now start work as soon as possible to restore the historic tourist attraction that was burnt down in a devastating fire on 28 July 2008.
Read full story.....
Grand Pier - One year on
28th July 2009
Whe first anniversary of the fire that destroyed Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier sees the structural rebuilding work completed and the pier now ready for its new pavilion to be created.
The devastating blaze on the morning of July 28, 2008 will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it and the pier fire made headlines all around the world with over three million people watching footage of the destruction online.
Read full story.....
From Piers to eternity!
13th June 2009
Skegness and Cleethorpes
We picked another roasting weekend to visit 3 more piers on our list. Skegness looked picture-postcard perfect and was extremely warm, although it was reassuringly bracing once at the end of the pier! The pier here is much shorter than originally but is very neat and tidy and is a pleasant short walk to the end to overlook the wide sands and wind farms. We arrived at Cleethorpes at 3pm, still under a scorching sun, fanned by a gentle sea breeze.
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Photographer to Chronicle Pier Reconstruction
11th June 2009
West Country photographer Chris Abbott has been given the task of recording the rebuilding of Weston's Grand Pier for posterity and appointed as the official photographer of the rebuild.
Chris, from Somerset, will be chronicling work on the £34 million reconstruction stage by stage until its completion in 2010.
He will be given unique access to the site by pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael to create a documentary record of the work.
Read full story.....
Grand Pier rebuild back on track
04th June 2009
North Somerset Council and the Grand Pier Company have reached an agreement on a number of issues related to the redevelopment of the attraction.
Since last week when news first broke that there was a problem, the two sides have met every day and negotiated an agreement that means the £34million project will continue in earnest.
Grand Pier co-owner, Kerry Michael said: "We are grateful to the Leader of the Council who personally took control of the negotiations. We have worked through the issues to reach a solution which is acceptable to all. Once the key decision makers were all together, we very quickly reached agreement and after that it was just a matter of putting the relevant professionals together to formalise the agreement."
“All we want to do is to get on with the re-building of the Grand Pier, a project which we hope will be the catalyst for the continuing regeneration of the town."
Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council, added: "Following the fire last year which destroyed the pavilion we have worked closely with the owners and will continue to offer our support to them in their efforts to re-build the attraction."
This means that work on the redevelopment of the Pier can progress as planned and on time in accordance with the original completion date of summer 2010.
North Somerset Council and the pier owners both remain fully committed to the redevelopment of this important landmark site.
North Somerset Council put Pier rebuild in jeopardy
29th May 2009
The Grand Pier is facing a contstant battle with North Somerset Council regarding the rebuild.
We do not think this is acceptable and we would like as many of our friends to support us by telling the council just how important it is for everyone that our Pier is rebuilt as soon as possible.
Our ambition is to build the best Pier in the world that everyone will want to visit; most importantly a place that people of Weston-super-Mare will be proud of and, in turn, will make Weston-super-Mare one of the best seaside resorts in the UK.
North Somerset Council are now preventing us from achieving our goal, due to the continuous spiralling costs they are demanding.
We now need your help to save your Pier.
Read Official Statement From Kerry Michael
Grand Pier work on course
19th May 2009
Work to rebuild the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare is on target with support piles for the attraction’s new 85 metre observation tower due to be driven into the sea bed next week.
So far 22 steel piles have been driven into the sea bed by Commercial Marine Piling to support the new pavilion, which is planned to open in time for the 2010 summer season.
Read full story.....
New thrill-seeking rides for Grand Pier
07th May 2009
A THREE-STOREY fun house, a laser room and a mirror maze are among the thrilling attractions that will be found on Weston's multi-million pound Grand Pier.
The revamped state-of-the-art pavilion will feature some of the most technologically-advanced rides in the world, it has been revealed this week.
Read full story.....
The Barge has Arrived!
21st April 2009
The latest news about the Pier is the start of the rebuild. A barge has been parked next to the Pier to hold the equipment and a large crane for the building work. Both the Weston Mercury and the Bristol Evening Post have given us excellent coverage of the barge’s arrival.
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The re-build has begun!
10th April 2009
Work to rebuild Weston’s Grand Pier following last year’s devastating fire is set to begin.
A contractor has been appointed to carry out piling that will help support the new pavilion.
The piling, which will be carried out by Commercial Marine & Piling Ltd (CMP) from Hampshire, will mean around 70 new piles being strategically placed to ensure the pier can support the new pavilion. Scheduled to last up to 15 weeks, the piles will be driven approximately 30 metres into the bedrock.
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Worle School Visit
25th March 2009
Pupils studying Design & Technology from Worle Community School
re-visited the Grand Pier to see for themselves how work is progressing to replace the iconic attraction...
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You Tube Channel
24th March 2009
We have now set up our own youtube channel, which we plan to keep updated with the new happenings about the Pier, plus some insights into the history of the Pier...
Read full story.....
Buttons and the Grand Pier Fire
20th March 2009
As some of you may know, one of the members of staff at the Grand Pier is an 8ft tall clown! Buttons decided to have a party on the night of the fire and was so full up with sweets, he slept in the sweet shop that night. He woke up to the sounds of the fire engines and decided to enlist the help of the Pier owners to tell his story about the fire.
The Grand Pier teamed up with Weston College to host a competition to a group of illustration students to bring Buttons' story to life in a brand new children's book...
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Interview with Pier owner
19th March 2009
Our friends at the Weston Mercury have posted an interview with Grand Pier co-owner, Michelle Michael, following the rebuilding plans being given the thumbs up!
To see the video, click here...
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Pier pavillion plans submitted to Council
08th December 2008
The owners of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare have today (December 8) submitted details of plans for a new pavilion to replace the one destroyed by fire in July.
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A Royal Visit
05th December 2008
Princess Anne visited the Grand Pier to see plans to build a new pavilion after the devastating fire in July.
Children and local dignitaries gathered at the entrance to the pier to welcome the Princess Royal.
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A birds eye view of the Pier
20th November 2008
This is a bird’s eye view of Weston’s Grand Pier taken from a helicopter this week
TR Demolition has now finished removing over 500 tonnes of twisted steel and blackened wood, which was all that remained of the pavilion after the devastating fire in July.
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Pier model goes on display
13th November 2008
A scale model of the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare before the devastating fire that destroyed the historic pavilion has today gone on display at the town’s museum.
The 1/125th model created by Scale Models Weston of Alfred Street, Weston-super-Mare has been partly paid for by public donations after the tragic fire of July 28th.
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Pupils learn design and technology lessons close to home
20th October 2008
Over 30 year eight Design and Technology students from Worle Community School paid a visit to Weston Pier this week.
Pupils were shown how the remains of the pavilion building, which was destroyed by a massive fire in July, are being removed by Bristol company TR Demolition.
Read full story.....
Why the "Trendy" Weston's Grand Pier will live on forever
14th October 2008
Weston’s beloved landmark Grand Pier will live on forever – on the new MONOPOLY: Somerset board.
Makers of the official game have shown their support for the county's leading iconic landmark by dedicating THE TRENDIEST space on their brand new board to the 104-year-old Grand Pier.
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Grand Pier Design Chosen
15th October 2008
The owners of the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare have chosen proposals put forward by Bristol-based architects Angus Meek for the rebuilding of the pier pavilion that was destroyed by fire in July.
The design includes iconic illuminated corner towers that draw their inspiration from the previous pier. Work is now going on to put together a detailed planning application to be submitted to North Somerset council before Christmas.
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Grand Pier Architect's Short-Listed
9th October 2008
Two architectural practices have been short-listed, from an original line up of six, to redesign Weston-super-Mare’s historic Pavilion which was destroyed by fire in late July.
Pier owners today met with representatives from Bristol based Angus Meek and Ray Hole architects of London. They have each been asked to refine their ideas and present a final version of their schemes for a head to head showdown.
Read full story.....
Architects ideas for Weston Grand Pier Future
30th September 2008
Six firms of architects have put forward ideas for a 21st century pier attraction to be built at Weston-super-Mare just eight weeks after the historic pavilion was destroyed by fire.
Four Bristol-based architects: Stride Treglown, Acanthus Ferguson Mann, Angus Meek and AWW have produced ideas along with two from London: Grimshaw and Ray Hole.
View Grand Pier Pavilion designs.....
Thousands moon walk for charity
18th September 2008
THE second ever Midnight Beach Walk has so far raised more than £75,000 for Weston Hospicecare.
On Saturday, 1,219 women and girls gathered at Weston’s beach for the five-mile walk from Uphill onto the Grand Pier and back again.
Read full story.....
Grand Pier architects named
24th September 2008
The six architects competing to redevelop Weston's Grand Pier have been confirmed.
The architects are Grimshaw, Angus Meek Architects, AWW, Stride Treglown Ltd, Acanthus Ferguson Mann Architects and Ray Hole Architects.
They are vying to work on the project, which is worth £10-15million.
Read full story.....
Collection for Grand Pier
23rd September 2008
An impromptu collection raised £130 for the restoration of Weston's Grand Pier.
The HMS Gambia Association held its annual reunion in town and members travelled throughout the UK and abroad and collected for the attraction, ravaged by fire in July.
HMS Gambia was a Royal Navy battle cruiser on which members served between 1944-1960.
Many of the charred remains from Grand Pier fire are now on display at North Somerset Museum in Burlington Street.
Share your views on new pier designs
18th September 2008
Weston residents will get the chance to have their say on proposed designs for the new Grand Pier pavilion later this month.
The landmark building was destroyed by fire on July 28, and since then, owners Kerry and Michelle Michael have been inviting design blueprints from six firms of architects.
Read full story.....
Public gets access to burnt pier remains
2nd September 2008
Melted coins, burnt arcade games and even a lamppost have formed part of an eye-catching exhibition in Weston.
Many of the charred remains from Grand Pier fire are now on display at North Somerset Museum in Burlington Street.
Read full story.....
Grand Pier poster at Christie's
28th August 2008
A poster featuring Weston's destroyed Grand Pier pavilion is among those going under the hammer next month.
This image, which is believed to date back to around 1960, will be auctioned at Christie's in London on September 10.
It is part of a vintage poster sale, featuring around 250 lots, with each estimated starting price at £300.
Red Arrows wows Weston crowd
28th August 2008
Hundreds of people thronged Weston's Grand Pier to watch the Red Arrows display earlier this afternoon (Weds).
For 22 minutes residents and visitors alike were wowed by a fantastic display which took place above and either side of the attraction.
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Motorcyclists show off moves on pier
28th August 2008
A group of motorcyclists showed off some 'wheely' great work at the weekend.
Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service held an event on Weston's Grand Pier.
The group, which provides a vital out-of-hours courier service to the area's hospitals, was collecting money to help the worthwhile cause.
Read full story.....
Son of original Grand Pier architect looks back in time
21st August 2008
One reader has a special reason to feel emotional about the Grand Pier fire. John Darby, whose father Nicholas Darby was the architect who designed the most recent pavilion, has expressed his sorrow at the loss of the building. Mr Darby senior was an architect who ran his own company in Weston for many years and lived in the town.
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Red Arrows confirm display times
21st August 2008
The world famous Red Arrows team has confirmed the times it will soar above Weston next week. The pilots will make a spectacular appearance over the Grand Pier on Wednesday.
The display will start at 3.15pm, with a live commentary from the Grand Pier from Red Arrows pilot Red 10.
There will also be a live radio link to the other pilots and music. After the display, members of the ground crew will stay on the Grand Pier to meet the public and sign autographs.
Olympic handover flag to be raised at Grand Pier
21st August 2008
Weston-super-Mare has been chosen as one of the towns to fly an Olympic flag high in the sky to mark the day England becomes the event's host nation.
The emblem will be raised at the Grand Pier on Sunday at 2.30pm.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games announced this week that the resort will feature the Olympic Handover Flag to celebrate the moment when London becomes the official host city.
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Fastest ride in the world for the Grand Pier?
18th August 2008
A ride that travels hundreds of miles per hour could soon be seen in Weston. A 'dragster' could be installed above the shelters that run down the centre of the Grand Pier if structural engineers give the proposals the go-ahead.
Designers hope the ride would be the fastest theme park attraction in the world, travelling up to 200mph.
Read full story.....
Scores turn out to Grand Pier service
18th August 2008
Hundreds of people turned out to a special memorial service at Weston's Grand Pier on Saturday. The event was held to mark the life of the attraction, which was partially-destroyed by fire last month. The inter-denominational service was held by Reverend Richard Taylor, the rector of the resort's parish church of St John the Baptist in Lower Church Road. The ceremony was organised with help from Weston Churches Together.
Grand Pier museum exhibit
11th August 2008
PARTS of Weston's Grand Pier could soon be exhibited in a new display at North Somerset Museum. Pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael, are in talks with the museum's manager to see whether scorched pillars and parts of the structure could be viewed in a special exhibition.
The museum in Burlington Street, Weston, already boasts a seaside holidays display, complete with a Punch and Judy stand, which was used at Buckingham Palace, a turnstile from Clevedon Pier, a donkey-pulled carriage from the 19th century and amusement machines from the Grand Pier itself.
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Couple visit Grand Pier every day for 10 years
11th August 2008
A retired couple have been eating their meals on the Grand Pier for the past 10 years and only miss out when it's time for the spring clean.
Bristolians Ermis and Androniki Nicholas, better known as Ian and Nicky to their friends, bus down to Weston every day to tuck into fish and chips, sausages, curry, ice-cream or hotdogs.
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Buttons still clowning around!
7th August 2008
Buttons the Grand Pier character was back entertaining visitors just three days after the pavilion was destroyed by fire. North Somerset youngsters will be pleased to know the attraction's resident clown Buttons survived the devastating blaze.
Read full story.....
Can You Help Us?
Pictures, stories, memorabilia, ideas?
A huge collection of the Grand Pier's history was lost in the Pavilion fire and we would like replace as much as we can. If you have any pictures, stories or memorabilia regarding the Grand Pier, old or new we would be extremely grateful if you could get in touch. Please call or email us via the contact page.
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Grand Pier Weston super Mare - All year round attraction with spectacular views and brand new state of the art rides.