Thousands flocked to Dreamland Margate to soak up the sunshine as the doors opened at the iconic park this weekend, with temperature hitting 27’C. The UK’s best-loved seaside park unveiled a completely updated and re-landscaped space that brings together historic rides set against a backdrop of interactive art installations, adventurous street food and an eclectic programme of live events – following a £25 million investment.
From the Waltzer to the Scenic Railway, the parks vintage rides have been taken back to their original glory. The ride line-up also welcomes the Brooklands Speedway and Wedgwood Tea Cups. Meanwhile, a new garden boardwalk gives visitors the opportunity to admire the antique menageries from the 1800s, capturing the unique history of the site.
While the rides hail back to Dreamland’s early days, the food is altogether more contemporary, with vendors inspired by London’s booming street food culture, offering a changeable feast of cuisine ranging from wood fired pizza to Mexican tacos. On the seafront, the original 1930s Cinque Ports pub was resurrected; once a favourite haunt of mods and rockers in the 1960s, it offers modern pub fare with a front row view of Margate seaside. Introducing Ziggy’s – the first ever rooftop bar on the seafront of Margate and part of the iconic amusement park, Dreamland. Ziggy’s is the home of sweet sunsets, rum infused cocktails, Jamaican jerk chicken and reggae tunes. The laidback beach vibe allows you to soak up the tranquil and panoramic sea views of the coastline.
As adults were exploring the exciting food and drink offer, children got to discover the all-new Teddy and Betty Land, where the park’s mascots took on a starring role with stage shows and brand new rides including Betty’s Beehive. The retro Roller Disco and vintage arcades also offer a mix of nostalgic-tinted, present-day pleasures.
Music lovers soaked up a festival feel as Vintage Trouble the American rhythm & blues band lit up the brand new start of the art Scenic Stage where park-goers danced along to retro tunes at the open-air stage. Bringing a festival ambience to the space are a coterie of venues being built including a 15,000-capacity stage set to welcome some of the biggest names in music, including Gorillaz who announced their UK live return with their own festival at Dreamland on the 10th June and tickets sold out under six minutes.
Steven Mitchell, CEO at Dreamland Margate, said: “The sun is shinning and it’s been a magical day to showcase all the work we’ve been doing behind-the-scenes to Dreamland. We have hopefully curated a new age of seaside culture to create something truly unique, all while embracing our rich history that has made Margate a favourite for decades. This summer we’ll play host to live music including the Gorillaz, outdoor cinema screening, circus and more- it’s set to be a memorable summer.”
Dreamland is free to enter and is now open for the whole of half term and weekends until 21st July. From the 21st July the park will be open for the whole of the summer through to September. The inside areas are open all year round and include Roller Disco, Vintage Arcades and Octopus’ Garden.
Upcoming events:
27 May Maxïmo Park launch Hall By The Sea, Cinque Ports opens for drinks
28 May Margate Wonderland Festival – The Kills headline
29 May FUN DMC – free entry
3 June Cinque Ports opens fully
10 June Event space launch for Demon Dayz event
10 June Demon Dayz event – Gorillaz headline
10 June Ziggy’s rooftop bar opens
10 June VIP bar opens for events and private hire
25 June Summer Tea Dance
20 July Toots and the Maytals
22 July Slaves
27 July Peppa Pig and family appearance
10h Aug PAW Patrol – Chase and Marshall appearance
12-25 Aug Camp Bestival Bouncy Castle – the world’s biggest bouncy castle
comes to Dreamland
24 Aug Octonauts – Captain Barnacles and Kwazii appearance
8h & 9 Sep Undercover Festival
