On Monday 16th September 2024, the Seaside Heritage Network hosted their Big Day Out in Weston-super-Mare. The day started with a walking tour, led by Allan Brodie, to Birnbeck and back, taking in some of Weston's iconic seaside heritage. We were hosted by Merlin Cinemas and North Somerset Council at the 1935 Art Deco Plaza Cinema, and treated to the sight and sounds of their original Compton Organ - oh, we DO like to be beside the seaside!

We had a chat with Paul Doe, author of 'From a bag of chips to cod confit', covering his travels around 20 English seaside resorts, and we heard the latest news about the Birnbeck Pier restoration project.

The main event of the day was the announcement of the 2024 Bucket and Spade List winners. This year the prizes went to Weston's Grand Pier in 3rd place, Ventnor Paddling Pool in second, and the winner was New Palace and Adventureland in New Brighton.

The grand finale was a Punch & Judy show from Swanage Punch, Prof. Joe Burns. That's the way to do it!