About South Pier
Victoria Pier, later re-named South Pier - was opened in 1893 and was the shortest of the three consisting of shops, shelters, a bandstand and the pavilion. It was noted for its brass-band concerts, classical Sunday concerts in the Pavilion, as well as season shows.
It suffered from major fires in 1958, which destroyed the shops and the Pavilion. In 1962, the Regal Theatre at the entrance was converted to the Beachcomber Amusements Arcade, looking more modern.
Finally, in December 1997 the Pavilion was severely damaged by a storm, and was dismantled, the seasonal show being transferred to Central Pier in 1998, leaving the site occupied by exciting rides.
