Clacton Pier is continuing to invest in its amusement arcade with the addition of Dinosaur Era X-Treme, a two-player Smurf coin pusher and the Breaking News photo booth this month, the latest in a series of new entertainment options installed over the course of 2025.
After investing more than £100,000 this year on entertainment technology, Clacton Pier has continued to enhance its offering with the addition of three new arcade machines, including Dinosaur Era X-Treme.
The four-player shooting game features a 65” HD screen and six levels, and “promises to be the most popular of the recent additions,” alongside a two-player Smurf coin pusher and the Breaking News photo booth.
“The arcade is a major feature and vital to the attraction’s overall success,” said GM Harry Peek. “Without it, the pier would simply not be sustainable. It is absolutely essential to our offer and contributes greatly to our finances.”
“That is why we backed a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing proposed tax increases which would have had a very damaging impact on the entire seaside amusement sector in general, not just Clacton Pier. The success of the campaign resulted in the potential tax increases being dropped and will definitely help investment in this area to continue.”
The trio of new machines join recent additions to the arcade such as a VR fighter jet simulator, Carnival Wheel and VR car machine.
Peek added that meetings are also taking place to finalise an exciting events programme for 2026, with several new events added to the schedule.
“The final schedule is almost there and we will be making a significant announcement in the New Year,” added Peek. “We always try to offer events for all ages and make sure that no one misses out. The events have become an important part of the business plan.”
Rise of the machines
Harry Peek said… “The arcade is a major feature and vital to the attraction’s overall success. Without it, the pier would simply not be sustainable. It is absolutely essential to our offer and contributes greatly to our finances…
Originally published on Coinslot on January 4, 2026. Republished with permission.