Dreamland is celebrating its first birthday today with live music and free entry to the park.

Anticipation built up outside of the theme park's gates this morning as a crowd gathered - ready to burst in at 10am.

Performers were on hand to entertain both children and adults alike, as staff made a giant yellow one to commemorate the occasion.

Margate resident Adrian Byrne, 36, said: "I come all the time because I am a member here but it is a completely different park today.

"There is a real buzz and an atmosphere that we have never felt before. All things are good."

DJ's could be heard warming up for tonight's party when a number of acts will take to the stage and battle it out to win over crowds.

Entertainer David Armitage, 48, said: "I love the people here and I love the passion of the people working.

"I am more proud than anything that Dreamland has made it to its first birthday. It is amazing we are here."

Dreamland announced it would be free to enter last week, in the biggest change at the theme park since it reopened a year ago.

The consensus from most of the people at the park today agreed that this was a great idea.

Simone Dutton, from Ramsgate, said: "My husband worked here in the 1980s running the big wheel so it is great to come back.

"The pricing structure is a lot better now and I think more people will come."

Valerie Cotton, from Broadstairs, said: "I like the atmosphere - it is lively and exciting. It has got a better future now they have made it free to enter."

From today, 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 and comes weeks after administrators were appointed following a turbulent 12 months.

Lorraine Barnard, 56, from Westgate, has been on a journey with the park since it first opened a year ago.

Mrs Barnard is the holder of the first ticket into Dreamland and was back again today to celebrate.

She said: "I heard this first 500 people to get a ticket would get a piece of the old scenic railway.

"I used to come to Dreamland as a child so thought why not. I came along at six in the morning, it was freezing cold and I was the only one here.

"I queued up, Eddie came and offered me a coffee and then more people started arriving eventually - thankfully.

"The free to enter policy is fantastic, all my friends have been saying for ages - why don't they just let everyone in . It is the way ahead.

"I had no doubt it wouldn't make its first birthday and I have no worries about its future."