Brighton Pier to Charge Entry Fee

Brighton Palace Pier is set to introduce a £1 admission fee as the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the iconic tourist attraction in East Sussex has surged by nearly a third over the past five years, according to its owners. Starting on 25 May, the fee will not be levied on certain Brighton residents or children under two years old.

Anne Ackord, the chief executive of Brighton Palace Pier, emphasized the significance of this fee in ensuring the longevity of the pier for future generations. She noted that operating costs had soared by £2.7 million over five years, totaling £11.6 million annually.

The Brighton Pier Group, responsible for managing Brighton Palace Pier, underscores the admission fee's crucial role in addressing the unique challenges and expenses associated with maintaining the pier's structural integrity and operational viability year-round. The fee will be implemented during peak summer months, starting in May and extending through July and August, as well as on weekends in June.

Ackord highlighted the absence of financial grants for the pier, stating that in her 20 years of association, no such support had been received. She emphasized the substantial upkeep costs, necessitating the implementation of a modest admission charge for non-local visitors to alleviate the financial strain.

Notably, Brighton residents with a Brighton Palace Pier local residents card will be exempt from the admission fee.

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8 May 2024

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