The month of January may feel like the ‘morning after’ for many, as they recover from the festive period, but there’s been no rest for the team behind one of the South West’s top tourist attractions.

It might traditionally be one of the quietest months of the year in terms of visitor numbers, but this enables staff to fully focus on a whole host of important tasks behind-the-scenes, to ensure everything is ready for when the crowds do return.

The team at the iconic seafront landmark has been working flat-out since the start of 2019 preparing a programme of events and activities for the new year, as well as making sure all the rides and facilities are in tip-top condition.

It might look peaceful and quiet from the outside, but the Pier has been a hive of activity.

A dozen engineers are working their way through all the rides in the Pier’s Pavilion, carrying out essential maintenance and safety checks.

The 20-strong food and beverage team have also been pulling out the stops, from deep cleaning to stock control tasks.

The small IT team has been busy looking at new ways of storing data, updating the attractions CCTV system.

A new till system for the rides is also being introduced, and banners, posters and artwork are all being refreshed.

Meanwhile the events team has been busy booking a wide range of different activities and attractions, from half-term holiday fun for youngsters to concerts and evening entertainments, all in a bid to ensure that the Grand Pier has something to offer everyone.

Tim Moyle, General Manager of the Grand Pier, said:

“At this time of year the Pier might look very peaceful and pretty quiet from the outside, but inside everyone has been working flat out.

“January is always a much quieter month in terms of visitors, with people waiting to pay off their Christmas credit card bills, and that general start-of-a-new-year lull, which provides the perfect opportunity for us to carry out a number of essential tasks.

“We want to make sure everything is just right for when the crowds return, and that we have rides, attractions, activities, events and entertainments for everyone.

“We’re planning to run a number of special promotions throughout the year, with prizes or special discounts up for grabs to those who get involved, so do keep an eye on our social media channels.

“We are looking forward to welcoming lots of returning customers and, hopefully, many news ones to the Pier in 2019.”

For more information about the wide range of attractions, events and entertainments at the Grand Pier all year round, visit www.grandpier.co.uk