Southend Council is moving ahead with plans to install festoon lighting along the length of Southend Pier, with the authority submitting an application for listed building consent.

The proposal is to install “heritage-style” light fixtures at 15 metre intervals along the Grade II-listed attraction, similar to those in photographs of the pier dating back to 1950.

“Getting festoon lighting back on the pier has been something we’ve been working towards for some time, and I’m delighted to see it getting closer to fruition,” said councillor Matt Dent.

“The pier is going from strength to strength at the moment, and this little addition will bring a little magic back from its past and add to the existing attractions of the world’s longest pleasure pier.”

According to Essex Live, festoon lighting “once played a prominent role in the pier’s appearance. Photographs from the 1940s and 1950s, as well as film footage from 1950, depict the pier decorated with strings of lights during civic celebrations and seasonal events.”

The council has announced plans for 20 weeks of events on the pier this year, and said the lighting would help “enhance the pier’s visual character and improve its usability during evening hours, supporting Southend’s role as a vibrant coastal destination.”