For decades, Eastbourne Pier was more than just a beloved seaside attraction—it was a place where people came together, returning year after year to the familiar glow of arcade lights and the shared thrill of the games. Before the devastating 2014 fire, the pier’s arcade was a space of belonging. It was where locals, tourists, and regulars found comfort in the simple joy of play. These documentary-style 35mm film photos capture arcade life on Eastbourne Pier before the fire and the people who made it feel like home.
A Place That Felt Like Home: Eastbourne Pier Before the Fire
Before tragedy struck, the arcade on Eastbourne Pier, known as Funtasia Entertainment Centre (see Figure 1), was alive with the glow of neon lights, the chime of cascading coins, and the excited chatter of players testing their luck. More than just a collection of machines, it was a space where people could be themselves (see Figures 2 & 3). Where small traditions—meeting friends after school, visiting on summer holidays, or playing the same machine week after week—created a sense of belonging.
The People Who Found a Place in the Arcade
Through these images of arcade life on Eastbourne Pier before the fire, we see more than just players. We see stories of connection, tradition, and comfort.
- Teenagers Finding Their Space – Groups of friends huddled around Street Fighter and Pac-Man. Their laughter mixed with the hum of the machines, carving out a space that felt like their own.
- Families Creating Traditions – Parents and children gathered around classic machines like air hockey, claw grabbers, and racing simulators. Passing down a love for arcade games from one generation to the next.
- The Regulars Who Returned Again and Again – Visitors with familiar faces, drawn back by the same games, routines, and the comfort of a place that never changed (see Figure 4).
How Eastbourne Pier Before the Fire Fostered Belonging
A sense of belonging promotes well-being, offering people comfort, connection, and a shared purpose (see Figures 5 & 6). Spaces like the arcade on Eastbourne Pier before the fire provided more than just entertainment—they fostered social interaction, bonding, and the joy of shared experiences. Research shows that feeling connected to others can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. These 35mm film photos preserve that feeling. They capture arcade life on Eastbourne Pier before the fire as more than just a memory—it was a part of people’s lives, a place they claimed as their own.
Why These Photos Matter
The fire that damaged Eastbourne Pier wasn’t just the loss of a building—it was the loss of a place where people felt they belonged. The arcade was a constant in the ever-changing world of the seafront. A space where everyone—no matter who they were—could find joy, routine, and connection.
Explore More Photos of Arcade Life on Eastbourne Pier Before the Fire
Scroll down to see more 35mm photos of this vibrant community.
Do you have memories of the arcade on Eastbourne Pier before the fire? Share your stories in the comments below and help keep the spirit of this place alive.