Dreamland reopening date and new attractions are unveiled

Dreamland Margate, will reopen on 28 April with new and refurbished rides, features and festivals.

The amusement park will unveil an update that brings together historic rides set against a backdrop of interactive art installations,  street food and a programme of live events.

Restored historic rides and attractions and art installations including an interactive marble run and a mirrored spinning top – in a nod to Dreamland’s famous neighbour Turner Contemporary – will greet visitors.

By Paul Webb

From a Waltzer to the Grade II listed Scenic Railway, Dreamland’s vintage rides have been taken back to their original glory by firms including Joby Carter of the famous Carter’s Steam Fair family.

Each piece has been painstakingly restored to create an authentic seaside experience.

New rides

The ride line-up also includes the Brooklands Speedway, Wedgwood Tea Cups and The Crazy Mouse.

A new garden boardwalk will give visitors the opportunity to admire the antique menageries from the 1800s.

Street food

The food is more contemporary, with vendors inspired by London’s booming street food culture, offering cuisine ranging from wood fired pizza to Mexican tacos.

Seafront pub

On the seafront, the original 1930s Cinque Ports pub is being brought back to life; once a favourite haunt of mods and rockers in the 1960s, it will offer modern pub fare with a front row view of Margate seaside.

This summer will also see the addition of the region’s only rooftop bar, offering unparalleled vistas over Margate’s skyline.

Children

Families can enjoy the new Teddy and Betty Land, where the park’s mascots take on a starring role with stage shows and brand new rides.

 

A retro Roller Disco and vintage arcades also offer a mix of nostalgic-tinted present-day pleasures.

Festivals

Festival-goers are catered for with venues including a 15,000-capacity stage set to welcome some of the biggest names in music, both local and international. The legendary 2,000 capacity Hall By The Sea – that once famously played host to The Who and Rolling Stones – will see renowned acts such as The Kills and Slaves take to the stage in 2017.

Also planned are acts straddling music, pop-up cinema, live comedy and even traditional tea dances.

‘Truly special’

Jennie Double, Commercial Director at Dreamland Margate, said: “We cannot wait to unveil the new park to locals and visitors alike. By combining contemporary food and culture with authentic vintage rides and the uniquely British heritage that only we can offer – we believe we’ve captured something truly special with this newly imagined incarnation of Dreamland.”

The overhaul is a key stage in the plans of the park’s operator, Sands Heritage Limited, to bring more visitors to the park.

Loan

The changes are being carried out following a £15million loan to operator Sands Heritage Limited, which fell into administration last May,  from offshore firm Arrowgrass.