With filigree arches and a few kiosks, Brighton Pier was opened in grand ceremony on May 20th 1899. By 1901, the pier consisted of a building with minaret corner towers housing dining, smoking and reading rooms and its first concert hall. By 1911, the concert hall had become a theatre attraction. 21 years elapsed before the next major phase saw the addition of a big wheel, heralding an extension to the piers' length and a widening of the promenade. The wars interfered with development and, as with most seaside piers, a section of the middle was removed to discourage enemy landings. Post war euphoria saw business booming and by the Summer of 1946 day sea trips from the pier along the coast prospered until 1960.
In 1984, the pier was destined to be revitalised under new ownership. New innovative features were introduced such as free admission, free deck chairs, new food outlets on the forecourt and a traditional fish & chips restaurant. At 1,722 feet long, Brighton Pier is acknowledged as the finest pier ever built.
