Block Party marks start of Dreamland Summer season

Dreamland kicks off the Summer season

New rides, live music and family games as well as a packed programme of events kicked of the Summer season at Dreamland on Saturday (July 21).

The new Dreamcatcher, named by competition winner Rebecca Wood, transported riders 60 feet through the air at 25 miles per hour in a thrilling ride. Seating 24 people, two per gondola, the ride gives an awe-inspiring experience that transforms from the horizontal to the nearly vertical.

Air Force also took visitors on a  360° thrill ride replicating the experiences and sensations of an acrobatic plane flight, banking, looping and diving across the sky, creating a sense of breathtaking weightlessness.

Accommodating up to 24 riders at one time in six, four-seater aeroplanes, the action takes place up to 8m above the ground and ‘pilots’ experience accelerations of 3G, right side up and upside down as they fly high.

Visitors were also treated to the Dreamland Block Party, an all-day festival for young people that included crazy golf, circus and street football.

The evening was a ticketed event with music from Big Narstie headlining Dreamland’s outdoor Scenic Stage with a supporting line-up including classic garage act, Oxide & Neutrino and Jammz.

Steve Gotkine, Chief Operating Officer at Dreamland comments: “Summer got underway at Dreamland this weekend with a packed weekend of partying and festival activities for all ages. Our latest thrill rides delighted visitors who were looking for adrenaline-fuelled fun whilst families enjoyed crazy golf, the circus and a whole host of other entertainment under sunny Margate skies.

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“There’s a fantastic line-up at Dreamland to keep everyone entertained by the sea, so come and enjoy your summer in Margate!”

There were, however, complaints of drunk youngsters at the evening event with one visitor posting to social media to say: “Some were so off their faces they couldn’t even walk. The security did an amazing job but some of them (had) stated they searched a 14-year-old and found a pocket full of drugs.”

The post went on to say it felt like an under 18 disco and Dreamland should review the sale of alcohol at an event when yougsters could attend without an adult.

The complaint was forwarded on by district councillor Suzanne Brimm.

In response Dreamland said: “We do take these issues seriously and we are looking into all issues raised as we want this to be a fun and friendly family park where everyone can enjoy themselves.”