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Dreamland is seeking to reclaim its place as the jewel in the crown of Margate attractions, hoping to enthrall a new breed of holiday makers with a knowing nod to the past.
The amusement park is far from a simple exercise in nostalgia.
The rides and attractions present snapshots of past glories, viewed through the lens of Margate's reinvention as a town that's creative, quirky and fun.
Billed as a re-imagined seaside amusement park for the next generation, there is plenty to keep families entertained, with the first of a planned four phases offering rides, sideshows and a roller disco.
But the intention is to offer more than an amusement park.
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Over the next three years, future phases will include a nightclub, a 1,600-capacity hall, an large outdoor event space and an education centre, to name but a few of the planned additions.
And this barely scratches the surface - the vision is nothing if not ambitious.
Phase one
From traditional gallopers and helter skelters to the knuckle-whitening Jumping Tower and Cyclone Twister, phase one will introduce more than 17 rides and a roller disco.
For younger thrill seekers, The Counter Culture Caterpillar Coaster will offer a child-friendly experience, and at the far end of the park is the Dreamland Pleasure Garden, set back from the rides where visitors can steal a moment on the lawn, take in a Punch and Judy show, and witness the the Wall of Death.
Like the rides, Dreamland’s amusements will present the evolution of the arcade from traditional carnival sideshows to a contemporary roller disco and modern circus performance.
A number of stalls will serve seaside favourites, from fish and chips to candy floss, while a family entertainment area will offer daily activities for young children.
Also included in phase one, but opening later this year, is the Scenic Railway, the iconic centrepiece of the park.
Phase two
Marine Terrace Restaurant
Quarter Deck Cafe
Phases Dance Studio
Mixed Bathing, Night Club
Ballroom - 600 capacity
Garden Café
Education Space
Large outdoor event site
Phase three
Dark Space
The Screamland scare festival attraction
Phase four
Hall by the Sea, 1,600 capacity
Hall by the Sea Café
Buffet Building
Click on the image above to hear more about Dreamland
The opening night
Tonight's Dreamland Opening Night Hullaballoo is headlined by Marina and the Diamonds, with Vic Reeves acting as host.
Cockney legends Chas and Dave will be returning to their roots with an old fashioned knees up at the Pleasure Garden’s Stage, celebrating their 50th anniversary with classics including, obviously, Going Down to Margate.
But before the cockney duo, festival favourites The Miniscule of Sound will be ‘avin it tiny at the world’s smallest nightclub.
The roller disco will feature retro hip-hop duo Too Many T’s, who will take skaters from the 80s to the present day.
The hullabaloo runs from 7pm to 11pm, and tickets are £24.95.
Prices and opening hours
Opening day today: 10am to 5pm
Standard Opening Hours 10am to 5pm
Summer Weekends June 26 to Sep 26 10am to 8pm
Prices
Under threes, free
Disabled carers, free
Advance Adult £14.95
Child £12.95
On the day
Adult £17.95
Child £14.95
Local on the day discount
Adult £13.95
Child £11.95
Tickets are available online.
Full list of rides
The 1920s
The Scenic Railway
The UK’s oldest rollercoaster will open later this year in 2015, the culmination of a massive project to recreate the grade II listed attraction.
The Dreamland Gallopers
Dating back to 1922, this traditional four-abreast ride has been hand restored and offers perhaps the ultimate retro amusement.
Helterskelter
Another classic, the giant slide is a replica of the famous 1920’s version complete with big colourful stripes, retro signage and coconut mats to help you whizz round bends.
The 1930s
The Kiss Me Quick Caterpillar
The undulating track of the Kiss Me Quick Caterpillar takes couples on a ride through dark tunnels.
The 1940s
The Double Decker
Two merry-go-rounds one on top of the other the Double Decker offers cars and motorbikes downstairs and brightly coloured rockets on top.
Dream Cars
Vintage Pedal Car Roadway Aimed at children, the Vintage Pedal Car Roadway provides drivers with mini overalls and vintage racing helmets, before letting them loose on the track.
The 1950s
Hurricane Jets
Dan Dare style Hurricane Jets, controlled with a quick flick of the joystick.
Cyclone Twist
Originally premiered at Butlin’s this enduring fairground scream machine is once again resplendent in all its post-war glory.
The 1960s
Wedgwood Tea Cup Ride
The quintessentially English teacup ride has been decked out in the blue and white colours of world famous British ceramics company Wedgwood.
The 1970s
Chair-o-Plane – Waveswinger
The Waveswinger is a 1970s classic featuring a rotating, titling carousel that will twirl passengers over the heads of the crowds.
Monotopia
A people-powered monorail with Jetsons-style cars running running along an elevated circuit, providing a tree-top view of the whole park.
Dream Dodgems
Perhaps the best known of all amusement park rides, the dodgems have been around since the 1920s but Dreamland features 70s themed cars that hark back to a time when punks and art rockers locked bumpers on the track.
The 1980s
Wheel of Colour
The ferris wheel offers the greatest view in Dreamland and might be even better when the sun goes down.
The Counter Culture Caterpillar Coaster
This figure 8 rollercoaster has been been put back together to appeal to younger thrill seekers. The ride is set to a soundtrack of classic pop re-imagined by John Shuttleworth.
Born Slippy Fun Slide
The slide offers a choice of four 65 metre undulating lanes to launch yourself down.
The 1990s
Jumping Pirate Boats
These leaping galleons jump into the air at random, recreating a 90s favourite.
Today
Jumping Tower
The tower is billed as Dreamland’s "adrenaline pumper", aimed at those who like rides of the white-knuckle variety.
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