Herne Bay is a seaside town in Kent, South East England, with a population of 35,188. On the south coast of the Thames Estuary, it is 7 miles (11 km) north of Canterbury and 2 miles (3 km) east of Whitstable. It neighbours the ancient villages of Herne and Reculver and is part of the City of Canterbury local government district. Herne Bay's seafront is home to the world's first freestanding purpose-built clock tower, built in 1837; until 1978, the town had the second-longest pier in the United Kingdom. The town began as a small shipping community, receiving goods and passengers from London en route to Canterbury and Dover. The town rose to prominence as a seaside resort during the early 19th century after the building of a pleasure pier and promenade by a group of London investors, and reached its heyday in the late Victorian era. Its popularity as a holiday destination has declined over the past decades, due to the increase in foreign travel and regular flooding that has prevented the town's redevelopment. However, the recent renovation of the sea defences and seafront is expected to re-establish the town as a popular seaside resort. Herne Bay has a festival every August that includes concerts, a carnival through the town centre, a travelling funfair at the Memorial Park and a Punch and Judy weekend that recalls the town's Victorian heritage. Each summer, the council runs a gardening competition, "Herne Bay in Bloom", which encourages residents and businesses to keep the town looking well presented. There are several community drama groups, such as "Theatrecraft", which produces three shows a year, including an annual pantomime at the Kings Hall theatre. Other groups regularly hold productions at the "Little Theatre", and the open-air "Theatre In The Park" on the grounds of Strode Park House in Herne. The town's only cinema, the "Kavanagh", is part of a Greco-inspired building that incorporates the Heron's swimming pool and the council offices. There are a number of drinking venues, especially in the town centre and on the seafront. There are nightclubs, social clubs and many pubs, including one in the recently renovated seafront bandstand. More on Herne Bay 

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