Dreamland in Margate announces free entry
Published: 15:00, 13 June 2016
Updated: 15:21, 13 June 2016
Dreamland has announced it will now be free to enter in the biggest change at the theme park since it reopened a year ago.
From this Saturday, visitors to the park will be able to enter at no charge and choose to pay per ride - priced between £1 and £4 - or buy an unlimited ride wristband.
The announcement marks the theme park's first birthday celebration on Saturday and comes weeks after administrators were appointed following a turbulent 12 months.
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Administrators Duff & Phelps insisted on their appointment that the park had a bright future and would remain open throughout the summer.
Dreamland chief executive Eddie Kemsley said: "The management team made this decision after all pricing models were trialed during 2015.
"We received lots of customer feedback on pricing and we listened.
"We believe this new pricing model is the best option and will please as many of our guests as possible.
"The park has helped Margate to make headlines over and over again and the town is buzzing with new energy and visitors.
"Many businesses have told us that they have flourished within the past year and the best is yet to come, as with our new pricing policy, Dreamland will be accessible to all.
"We firmly believe Margate and Dreamland is all set to have its most phenomenal year yet."
For the first time Dreamland is introducing wristbands for smaller guests measuring under 1.25m. Prices start at £10 or £8 in advance online.
Standard wristbands are £12 in advance or £15 on the day.
There are also options for two-day passes and access all areas tickets, giving entry to the Octopus's Garden children's centre and the roller disco. All can be booked on the Dreamland website.
This wristband can be used for unlimited access on up to 19 rides and gain entry to three attractions including the mermaid and pirate school, the Teddy and Betty show and the Dreamland ark.
People who have bought memberships will continue to receive unlimited free rides.
Dreamland's first year in numbers:
- More than 300,000 people have visited the paid areas of Dreamland
- 10,000 people have taken the relationship to become a member, each visiting on average three times
50,000 cups of tea and coffee have been drunk
45,000 soft drinks sold
16,500 portions chips have been eaten
8,000 portions of fish and chips have been bought
3,700 Dreamland tea towels sold
1,500 local school children and community groups have taken part in Dreamland’s educational programme
40 bands have performed for Dreamland’s guests
There has been a 62% increase in off-peak visits to Margate on Southeastern trains
A 24% increase in Margate house prices
And 20 new shops, restaurants and bars have opened in Margate.
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Connor Dunn