National Piers Society chair Tim Wardley and vice chair Caroline Buttolph visited Great Yarmouth last week to present Britannia Pier with the Pier of the Year Award 2026.
The framed certificate was received by pier owners Joseph Manning and Joseph Abbott, with the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and the High Sheriff of Norfolk also in attendance.
“The owners were understandably delighted by the positive reaction which led to them winning the award this year,” said the NPS. “It is especially pleasing to see so much of the owners’ investment being directed to the Pier Theatre, demonstrated by the remarkable diversity in the upcoming shows.”
“From a traditional Pier Show (Britannia Live!), to children’s pantomimes, and to semi-erotic boyband shows and Jim Davidson, there is undoubtedly something to cater for all tastes and temperaments.”
Former Pop Idol Gareth Gates – who returns to work at Pier as the star in the Beauty and the Beast panto in December – attended the award presentation.
Talking to the EDP, the pier’s co-owner Cherise Abbott, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to have been awarded this prestigious accolade which is hugely coveted within our industry.
“All we strive for is to build the pier back up to become a success, for our visitors to have an enjoyable experience with us and want to return year after year. In turn this will cement its future as a business and operational pier for years to come. That is our end goal.”
Paying tribute to pier, Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “This recognition is a testament to the incredible hard work, dedication and passion of everyone behind the scenes at the pier, as well as the fantastic transformation it has undergone.”
Originally published on Coinslot on June 1, 2026. Republished with permission.