More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Today should have been the grand Easter reopening of Dreamland Theme Park, but as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on there was no other choice but to remain closed.
The entertainment park in Margate is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with a line-up of live gigs and family events, but the next six weeks have had to be cancelled in line with the national lockdown.
Watch the history of Dreamland
Despite the cancellations, the park has been sharing #WeWillSurvive on social media, along with their own lockdown-themed take on the lyrics to Gloria Gaynor's classic 1978 song I Will Survive.
The lyrics include the lines: "At first we were afraid, we were petrified, kept thinking can we really open all these vintage rides?
"But then we spent so many nights thinking we can't let this go wrong and we grew strong, and we learned how to get along.
"And now we're back in dire straits just like everyone else in Margate - we've got to self-isolate."
One of the final lines is: "Oh, as long as we've got candy floss we know we'll stay alive."
Currently none of the planned summer events have been cancelled, but park bosses are continuing to follow government advice as the Covid-19 situation continues to develop.
A statement on their website regarding the cancellation of the reopening said: "We are heartbroken to have to close our park just as we were about to begin our 100th anniversary celebrations, but the situation is beyond our control.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support the public has shown to us and to other local leisure and hospitality venues during this difficult time.
"We urge people to stay safe, follow Government advice and to support local businesses in Margate wherever possible."
Dreamland's summer schedule of events includes live performances from the likes of De La Soul, All Saints, Fatboy Slim and Madness.
It is hoped by many owners of local business that the 100th anniversary celebrations will bring more people down onto the coast to boost the local economy.
Last month, KentOnline published an in-depth feature on the fate of Margate and the supposed recent boom in trade for local business.
Despite events being cancelled, park bosses have said they will try to reschedule wherever they can.
The three-week Camp Bestival takeover is moving to the summer, but dates have not yet been confirmed.
Meanwhile, a DJ set by electronic legends Faithless will now be taking place on October 16.
