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Dreamland Margate to hold 10 extra gigs next year

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 11 August 2023

Updated: 10:30, 14 August 2023

A Kent theme park transformed into one of the UK’s most prolific outdoor music venues plans to build on its success by hosting 10 extra shows next year.

Bosses at Dreamland in Margate have revealed they want to increase the number of concerts in its 2024 calendar to almost 40.

The move was made possible following a successful licensing bid in February, but organisers are remaining tight-lipped about who could be taking to the stage next year.

The 7,000-capacity site in Marine Terrace is currently at the height of its Summer Series, with about 27 acts treading the boards, including Tom Jones and Olly Murs.

James Penfold, the head of live entertainment at the theme park, explained: “There was a new licence at the beginning of the year, so we are now one of the largest outdoor event licence holders in the country, so we can hold shows 40 days a year.

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“This year I think we're doing 26 or 27 shows, and next year we want to add around another 10.

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The Human League played to thousands at Dreamland in Margate
Big names such as Queens of the Stone Age have played this summer at Dreamland, Margate.

“So we’re just going to keep building and building.”

Mr Penfold claims the amusement park is “up there with the big venues in the UK”, despite comparably smaller audiences.

Mr Penfold added: “We’re always striving to do more and push ourselves a little bit further.”

He also revealed how they have attracted big names, stating: “We work with some great promoters, and between myself and them there's a wealth of contact with agents, managers and artists.

“It usually starts with a message from an artist you know and goes from there.

There will be nearly 40 days of live music on the Scenic Stage at Dreamland Margate next year. Picture: Dreamland

“It’s many years of work, meeting people and making contacts.”

Musicians such as Queens of the Stone Age, McFly and The Human League have performed this summer, with the former refusing to leave the stage and playing after the curfew, delighting fans.

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Mr Penfold said: “It’s just fantastic.

“Everyone that comes - be it the grumpiest singers with the worst reputation in the world to the most fun - always leaves with a smile on their face.

The Margate music venue won a licencing bid for 40 events earlier this year. Picture: Dreamland

“We’ve had some great feedback from all sorts of artists, and all the customers as well. Everyone seems to enjoy it.

“It's going from strength to strength.

“This year we have put Margate firmly on the music map.

“Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we’re excited to build on this.

“While I can’t give away any details just yet, next year’s line-up will bring a diverse mix of even more music to both our indoor venues and iconic Scenic Stage, covering a wide range of genres and eras.”

Dreamland will tomorrow play host to more big names as it takes centre stage for Margate Pride celebrations.

Promising a “jam-packed party with a glittering line-up”, park bosses have booked 90s girl band B*Witched, Steps star Claire Richards, and Duncan James, of noughties chart-toppers Blue, to perform.

The event starts at 5pm.

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