People of Thanet, the time has come to take back Dreamland as the gates reopen on November 16.

This message comes from The Dreamland Trust which is opening the park gates to the public for the first time since 2006.

The day will be followed by a glitzy high profile celebrity auction and champagne reception in the old Dreamland cinema.

It is a huge and exciting step forward in the amusement park’s high profile regeneration.

The trust say it is an opportunity for the people of Thanet to take back their park and to be part of its return.

It is the first time the general public have been allowed on site since the park closed to the public in 2006.

During the summer, the trust has been in discussion with potential park operating companies and park managers.

A final short list of candidates has been drawn up and an appointment will be made by the end of 2013. The trust will shortly be releasing briefs to tender for concessions and leases for the park’s cafes, restaurants, retail units, kiosks and sideshows.

Jan Leandro, heritage and engagement manager of The Dreamland Trust, said: “For many generations Dreamland thrilled and delighted visitors to Margate and sustained her community.

“This community campaigned hard for a number of years to save the park from redevelopment and it will be this community spirit and support that will again help reinstate Dreamland as a world-class visitor attraction.”

Visitors on the day can sign up to The Big Clear – an event with a date to be announced for volunteers, supporters and partners to and tackle weeds and rubbish on site.

A fundraising auction and champagne reception on November 16, will be hosted by celebrity TV auctioneers Mark Hills and Mark Stacey, in the Grade II listed derelict cinema building and seafront arcade.

Lots will in include art donated by high profile artists including Tracey Emin, Vic Reeves and Billy Childish. Money raised will go towards opening a visitor and learning centre next spring.

Dreamland, described repeatedly as the heartbeat of Margate, was one of the UK’s oldest and best-loved amusement parks and a major entertainment venue.

At its peak, it included a 16-acre amusement park with a zoo and miniature railway, a 2,200-seat purpose built cinema, cafés, restaurants, bars, shops and a 2,000-capacity ballroom.

The latter was a venue which hosted gigs by music greats like The Who, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones, T Rex and Hawkwind.

Tickets for the auction are £25 and include a glamorous 1930s-style champagne and canapes reception with live music and a discussion between the auctioneers on art deco design.

For more details visit The Dreamland Trust’s website at www.dreamlandmargate.com