Cromer Pier celebrates 125 years this year. General Manager Sean Garrett explains what makes the iconic North Norfolk landmark – which boasts the only full season end of pier show in the world – a special place to work
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Sean Garrett, General Manager of Cromer Pier. As General Manager, I am responsible for the overall operation, performance, and reputation of one of the UK’s most iconic seaside attractions. The role includes business leadership with hospitality, heritage management, and public engagement.
How long have you been in the role and what does it involve?
I have worked with Openwide Coastal since 2015, firstly, as their Finance Manager and then, from December 2022, as General Manager. Cromer Pier is owned by NNDC, and Openwide lease the buildings from them, including the theatre, bar, box office and ice cream kiosks.
A large part of my role is liaising with NNDC to make sure that we look after this historic structure for the thousands of visitors we get each year. When I first saw the job advert for Cromer Pier in 2015, my first thought was “How often do you get to work on a pier?”. Since that point, I haven’t looked back.
What makes Cromer Pier a special place to work in your opinion?
Working at Cromer Pier isn’t just another management job – it stands out for a few reasons that you don’t often get all in one place. First, there’s the setting. Not many people have the same walk into the office that I have. You’re literally working out over the sea, with constantly changing weather and atmosphere.
The sea can be a very cruel place to be near at times, as we have seen many times in the past, but can also be an utterly fantastic and unique place to work. No two days ever feel the same.
Then there’s the heritage factor. Cromer Pier is one of the last traditional end-of-pier venues in the UK, and being part of its operation means you’re helping preserve a piece of British seaside history. You’re not just running a business; you’re looking after something people feel nostalgic and protective about.
A big part of what makes it special is the live entertainment culture, especially the Cromer Pier Show. Few management roles give you that mix of theatre production and venue operations.
You’re involved in something creative and audience-facing, not just purely commercial. The pier isn’t just for tourists – it’s a local landmark. You’ll get regular visitors, familiar faces, and a real sense that your work matters to the town. Finally, it’s the variety and challenge. One day you might be dealing with a technical issue, the next coordinating an event, the next handling weather-related disruptions.
If you could give a potted history of the pier in a paragraph or two, what would you say?
The pier opened on 8th June 1901. Built from sturdy, long-lasting iron to replace numerous wooded jetties, the pier originally had an open band stand, where visitors would promenade and take in the fresh sea air. The band stand was then covered over in 1905 to create the beginnings of the structure we now know as the Pavilion Theatre.
The RNLI started to house their lifeboat at the end of the pier in 1923. The pier has been badly damaged many times over the years, with the latest one being in 2013, but remains a central part of Cromer and North Norfolk.
Although the theatre has had summer variety shows and concert parties from its very beginning, 1978 gave rise to our Summer Show, the last remaining full season variety Summer Show on a pier, anywhere in the world. For 12 weeks over the summer, starting at the end of June, the show providing the best in variety entertainment to locals and visitors alike.
How will you be marking 125 years of Cromer Pier this year? What can people expect?
We will be making various references to our 125th anniversary all through the year, including as part of our Summer Show this year. The main celebration will be centred on the 8th of June, when NNDC will be creating a Gala Day, which will include lots of live music and various acts performing on the promenade and pier deck. Watch out for further details nearer the time!
How does it feel to know the pier was voted best pier according to Trip Advisor rankings?
It is always lovely to get recognition of the great work that NNDC and the staff at Cromer Pier do, especially when it comes from the public, rather than an awarding body. It just shows that we must be doing something right. It’s a real mixture of the heritage, atmosphere and theatre shows, which visitors enjoy.
Does the future of Cromer Pier look bright?
Yes, very bright. We have a great landlord in NNDC, and that makes sure the pier remains in tip top condition, and fantastic customers, who keep coming back. The secret to the ongoing success of Cromer Pier is always looking to improve or try something new. In the past few years, we have added an 8m LED screen to the back of the stage, which adds another element to shows.
The backstage area has been transformed in the past 18 months and now boasts wheelchair access not only to the backstage area, but also to get a user on stage. Very few theatres have this facility. And finally, we are continuously trying to improve the Summer Show by sourcing great new acts as well as bringing back a few well-known favourites.
Where can people find out what happening, show-wise, at the end of the pier?
Log onto our website cromerpier.co.uk, where you will find all the information you need about shows, events and how to book. It’s also a great idea to sign up for our newsletter, where you will get a weekly update, so you don’t miss anything. We are also easy to find Facebook and Instagram.
Visit Cromer Pier.
Featured image of Sean Garrett, GM of Cromer Pier, by Will Jarvis
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