Hastings Pier was originally designed by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and opened in 1872. The opening was a very grand affair, complete with a celebratory banquet. During the after-dinner speech the Earl of Granville declared: “This pier, if I may so use the phrase, appears to me to be a peerless pier – pier without a peer – except, perhaps, the unfortunate peer who is now addressing you”.
Hastings Pier was sadly devastated by a fire in 2010, and what followed was a passionate campaign by the local community to save the pier. Hastings Pier Charity was formed to manage the reconstruction and operation of the pier for the benefit of the local and wider community, and – following grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other generous organisations, as well as a Community Share Scheme – Hastings Pier reopened to the public in April 2016.
The Pier continues to inspire, entertain and thrill all generations of visitors to this day. Take a look at the fantastic event on offer at Hastings Pier on their website – hastingspier.org.uk