IT COULD be the bargain of the summer – Bournemouth Seafront is offering £1 season tickets giving access to the town’s landmark pier in a bid to attract more visitors.

Single admission tickets this season are 60p, although each paying adult can take one child under 16 on to the seaside boardwalk.

The pier originally opened in 1880, was extended twice, demolished during World War Two, repaired and reopened in 1946, and restored from 1979-81. The summer season at the Pier Theatre starts on May 30, with a series of variety nights every Wednesday until September 12.

The musical Zambezi Express, which was a hit during the theatre’s 50th anniversary year in 2009, will be back every Friday and Saturday night from July 20 to September 15, Other shows include appearances by Joe Longthorne and comedian Milton Jones, who will be supported by James Redmond.

Tribute bands lined up for the summer will pay homage to everyone from Queen to Abba, Michael Jackson to The Rat Pack.

Those attending shows on Friday nights from July 20 to August 31 will have the bonus of a VIP view of Bournemouth’s famous seafront fireworks.