Southend's world famous Pier to re-open » Local Government » 24dash.com

Southend's world famous Pier, which was hit by a major fire last year, will be fully open from Saturday morning.

It is the first time visitors will have the chance to visit the Pier Head since the blaze in October which destroyed part of the walkway, the train station, café and bar.

Councillor David Garston, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Deputy Executive Councillor for Culture, Sport and Amenity, said: "I am delighted that the work to reinstate the walkway has been completed. People can now have access to the Pier Head and enjoy the full Pier experience, especially now the summer holidays are in full swing."

This weekend, the council's Pier and Foreshore staff will be pulling out all the strings to ensure the Pier's annual grand puppet festival entertains visitors.

From 11am on Saturday and Sunday, Punch and Judy, marionettes and glove puppets will be putting on shows for youngsters, and adults who want to re-live their childhood.

Work to re-instate the walkway which runs from west side of the fire damaged railway station to permanently connect the Pier Stem with the Pier Head began in June.