Dreamland steps up a gear for 2017

• Written by: Lorraine
• Written on: April 27, 2017
• Filed Under: 2017 Events, Children, Days Out, Entertainment, Gardens, Local Area, Margate, Music, News

We know how many of our visitors remember the old Dreamland at Margate and many of you have visited the park since it reopened in 2015. The initial phase 1 of the redevelopment of the park was a big deal for the area but it was only the start. Now in 2017 phase 2 is nearly complete and Dreamland is going to the next level – we are very excited to share with you some of the new developments and events taking place this summer.

When the park first reopened the only sign of it on the seafront was the big wheel peeping over the top of the buildings, the outside remained surrounded by slightly untidy looking hoardings and the main entrance, tucked down Hall by the Sea, with it’s giant arrow beckoning you in, was somewhat hidden. In recent weeks the iconic Art Deco-style cinema building, with it’s 80 foot “fin” jutting up in to the sky since the 1930s, has been revealed once again, emerging from it’s winter clothing of scaffolding and now with brand new neon lettering reinstalled up the side, in the exact same style as it had originally – it looks seriously cool. 1930S design of the building and that signage was cutting edge when it first appeared and nowadays it still looks fresh and totally modern – also very classy and alluring.

The park itself is being re-landscaped and will include some very cool art installations dotted around as well as even more rides than last summer. We can’t wait to see what is described as an interactive marble run and also the mirrored spinning top. There will be an eclectic street food offering with some exotic choices as well as standard fare like fish and chips and burgers, also more cool bars (Dreamland in 2017 is definitely not just for kids) and a full programme of events – see below. The landscaping is to include a garden boardwalk to with antique menagerie cages from the 1800s which were uncovered on the site during the recent restorations.

Rides are looking good: as well as the scenic railway you will be able to enjoy the Brooklands Speedway (we’re screaming already), the Wedgwood Tea Cups (for little ones) and the Crazy Mouse (for the brave!). The Waltzer has been painstakingly restored to its former 1940s glory (who knew it was that old).

Teddy and Betty are giant teddy bear / teddy boy characters who hark back to the park’s 1950’s heyday and have been a great hit entertaining visitors, particularly youngsters since the park reopened, now they have their own Teddy and Betty Land within Dreamland – the wee ones will love Betty’s Beehive Coaster and the whole concept is just hilariously good fun.

The entertainment has been one of the strengths of the park since reopening, there are always performers, like the Teddy and Betty Characters, larking around and doing something crazy and making everyone laugh, or sing or dance. They are just part of the whole Dreamland experience, whatever day you go on.

However, phase 2 of the redevelopment means that a whole new 15,000 capacity event space will be ready to welcome well known acts who require a big audience and this firmly puts Margate back on the music venue map – having previously hosted such legends as The Who and The Rolling Stones. Last year the 2,000 capacity Hall By The Sea re-opened so now both spaces are set to make the whole of Dreamland rock with some seriously exciting dates in the diary already.

This very weekend, as we write (28 – 30 April 2017), there’s the Hipsville Festival A Go Go, which has sold out and amongst others has the Rezillos on the bill!

We’ve listed below the events that we know about that are coming up, (there may be more still to be announced so check the Dreamland site for up to date info as well as to book tickets). As well as big name music acts there is plenty of variety and loads for children and all ages – there’s even a Vintage Market day if your very best thing to do in all the world is shop shop shop:

27 May – Maximo Park.

28 May – Margate Wonderland

10 June – Demon Dayz festival has Gorillaz with both Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher playing together! (also sold out – sorry if you didn’t get tickets).

25 June – Summer Tea Dance (for a change of pace)

2 July – Vintage Market (buy buy buy!)

20 July – Toots and the Maytals!

22^nd July – Slaves!

27^th July – Peppa Pig makes an appearance!

10 August – Paw Patrol

12 – 25 August – World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle

24 August – Octonaughts

8 – 9 September – Undercover Festival

October – Screamland

On the seafront you’ll be able to go to the Cinque Ports pub for modern pub fare with a front row view of the beach. Margate’s only rooftop bar is also due to open at some stage in the old cinema building, what a spot to catch a magical Margate Turner-esque sunset.

The investment in this stage of the redevelopment is £25 million. Wi-Fi will be available across the park so you can share your experience with all your jealous friends and family back home via FaceBook, Snapchat, Instagram and the like.

We can’t imagine where you could have a more fun day out than Dreamland this summer, whether you’re a family, couple or day-tripper.

The park reopens on Friday 26 May. Tickets for events are available on the Dreamland Website now.