As part of its wider engagement campaign, Bacta shines a spotlight on the towns and communities that members call home. Bacta President Joseph Cullis explained: “Places like Clacton are powered by hardworking local businesses that provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment and drive regional tourism. These value-for-money economies need support from government to thrive – not more red tape, higher costs or regulatory pressure.”
History
Established as a resort town in the late 19th century, Clacton quickly became one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations during the 20th century.
The town’s boom years were during the mid-20th century, when it became famous for providing value for money so called ‘bucket and spade’ style breaks catering for holidaymakers travelling from East London.
Bacta Members
Six Bacta member companies are based in the town comprising Gaiety Clacton Ltd, Masterson Leisure Ltd, Mitonsede Ltd, P & F Leisure Ltd, Parrish Leisure Ltd and The Clacton Pier Company.
Clacton Pier
Clacton Pier opened on 18 July 1871 when the SS Queen of the Orwell was the first ship to call there. The structure was just 300 yards long and was subsequently lengthened to 390 yards and widened in 1890.
The Pier had been granted parliamentary approval in 1866 after permission had been sought by Peter Bruff, founder of the town who needed a way of accommodating passenger ships coming to Clacton.
Its’ main use was as a landing platform and jetty for goods but it was soon realised that both the Pier and town promenades offered a popular day out for Victorians who flocked there in their droves.
The Pier became affectionately known as no. 1 North Sea and was a huge factor in the rise of Clacton as a premier British seaside resort during the 1920s and 1930s.
The recent history of the Pier saw Billy and Elliot Ball take control of the iconic landmark in 2009 having spent 14-months completing the deal along with their father Billy Snr and mother Lynn.
In 2018 the brothers began Phase one of a multi-million-pound project to develop the main building on the east of the pier. Later that year phase two of the project got underway and was completed in March 2019.
In 2020 Clacton was named Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society beating off stiff competition from 60 others from around the country.
The Wheel Experience arrived for the 2021 season as part of the Pier’s 150th birthday celebrations.
In 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was a guest as part of a trip to Clacton to mark the Government allocating Levelling Up funding to the town.
In 2025 Clacton Pier was recognised as one of the top amusement parks in Europe, earning a place in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best. The Essex attraction ranked 11th in the Amusement and Water Parks category, which includes more than 1,000 sites across the continent. The annual award is based entirely on reviews and ratings left by visitors over the past 12 months, reflecting genuine experiences rather than decisions made by a judging panel.
The Pier has featured in high profile TV shows, including Eastenders, the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, Channel 5’s Grand Week By The Sea with comedian and actress Susan Calman and the 2019 film Yesterday, directed by Danny Boyle.
Billy Butlin
Identifying the opportunity to capitalise on the growing popularity of Clacton as a resort destination Billy Butlin overcame initial local opposition to open a holiday camp which welcomed its first paying guests on 11 June 1938.
According to the Clacton and District Local History Society Butlin was “providing the right facilities and atmosphere to help turn Clacton into a booming holiday resort.” The opening saw him organise a “special train to bring 200 VIPs down from London. The camp was officially opened by Lord Strabolgi, though it was left to another speaker, Lord Castlerosse to verbalise the thoughts of all present when he solemnly announced that Billy Butlin has done more for England than St.George”.
Following the end of the second world war Billy Butlin advertised for staff to reopen the camp receiving 17,000 applications for just 550 positions. Butlins Clacton closed its doors in 1983 resulting in the loss of 100 permanent and 841 seasonal jobs.
Demographics
Clacton‑on‑Sea’s 2021 census figures record a built‑up area population of 53,208. The age profile is markedly older than the national average: 15,855 residents (30 percent) are aged 65 or over, including 4,590 aged 80+.
The working‑age population (18–64) numbers 27, 641 (52 percent). The result is a median age in the late 40s to early 50s.
Visitor Numbers
Clacton Pier, the town’s most popular attraction, recorded 950,000 visits in 2022 with the majority of footfall occurring during July and August. Tendring District – which includes Clacton – is a core part of Essex tourism. In 2023, the county welcomed 51 million day visits, including 2.4 million overnight stays.
Visitor Profile
Clacton remains a prime day‑trip destination for visitors from London and the East End, largely due to the train link from Liverpool Street and good road access. Essex tourism data shows visitors also travel to Clacton from towns within the county including Colchester and Harwich.
The Local economy
Labour Force data for the Clacton constituency show that 53.2 percent of people aged 16+ are economically active, leaving 46.8 percent economically inactive — more than double the national average of 21.7 percent.
Using metrics including household income, education and employment status over 60 percent of Clacton residents live in relative poverty.
Employment
The major employers in Clacton-on-Sea reflect the town’s reliance on tourism. As one of the town’s primary attractions, Clacton Pier employs a significant number of local residents, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer). Its role in tourism makes it one of the largest employers in the area, offering jobs in retail, catering, and amusements.
While Butlin’s no longer operates in Clacton, other smaller holiday parks and caravan sites in the surrounding areas also provide employment. Local businesses cater to seasonal visitors, particularly during the summer months. Overall, the town’s economy is largely driven by its role as a coastal tourist destination.
Politics
On July 4th 2024 the people of Clacton elected Nigel Farage as their Member of Parliament. The result was the biggest ever election swing in modern times.
Now the leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage left a successful career to become a founding member of UKIP in 1993 and set about campaigning for Britain’s EU withdrawal. UKIP’s major successful result in the 2014 European Election eventually forced the Conservative party to hold a referendum on European Union membership.
In June 2016, Farage was a leading figure in the campaign to leave.
In 2019 he launched the Brexit Party which stormed to victory in 6 weeks in the European elections. This led directly to the resignation of Prime Minister Theresa May and Boris Johnson’s ensuing success. His campaign against being debanked has led to the sacking of two CEOs and a promise from Government to change the law around political debanking.
The job creator
Bacta profile said…… Clacton Pier employs a significant number of local residents … Its role in tourism makes it one of the largest employers in the area, offering jobs in retail, catering, and amusements……
