Dreamland, Margate is set for a cultural makeover, with restored rides and a new programme of events

Dreamland is undergoing a 'cultural makeover' which will make it the entertainment park of the future, with vintage rides, landscaped gardens, music, art and street food, organisers say.

The Margate park will reopen after its makeover with new features on May 26.

The new look will unveil an updated and re-landscaped space bringing together the historic rides, interactive art installations, adventurous street food and an eclectic programme of live events.

The modern additions include an interactive marble run and a mirrored spinning top.

Dreamland in Margate will open to the public this weekend
Dreamland in Margate will open to the public this weekend

Working with experts, including Joby Carter of the famous Carter's Steam Fair family, the vintage rides have been restored, including the Scenic Railway rollercoaster.

The ride line-up also now features the Brooklands Speedway, Waltzer, Wedgwood Tea Cups and the Crazy Mouse.

A 15,000-capacity concert venue has also been unveiled and is set to welcome some of the biggest names in music beginning with Gorillaz in June.

The park's owners are also aiming to emulate London's street food culture with foodsellers offering everything from wood fired pizza to Mexican tacos, while on the seafront, the original 1930s Cinque Ports pub is being brought back to life and will include a rooftop bar by the summer.

And there will be pop-up cinema, live comedy and traditional tea dances.

Dreamland at twilight
Dreamland at twilight

Jennie Double, commercial director, said: “We cannot wait to unveil the new park to locals and visitors alike.

"By combining contemporary food and culture with authentic vintage rides and the uniquely British heritage that only we can offer – we believe we’ve captured something truly special with this newly imagined incarnation of Dreamland.”

Park operators Sands Heritage see the makeover as part of its on-going transformation of the seafront and attraction, which went into administration in 2015.

Cllr Chris Wells, leader of Thanet District Council, said: “It’s great to see plans taking shape to restore Dreamland to its former glory.

"None of this would have been possible without the council’s early action to secure the site.

"And it doesn’t end there. Along with the operator’s plans to improve the park, the council is now leading on the next phase of redevelopment which will see the iconic Sunshine Café brought back to life and the front of the cinema building restored.

The Waltzer at Dreamland
The Waltzer at Dreamland

"This reflects our united commitment to create a first class destination that the local community can be proud of.”

Chair of the Dreamland Trust Bernie Morgan said: "It is very good news that Dreamland is continuing to grow its attractions, which should encourage additional visitors and make it even more popular.

"We are also delighted with the operator’s commitment to the heritage of the site, which includes the vintage rides. This is very important to us and the local community. The Trust will continue to support any positive changes helping to safeguard Dreamland's unique offer and sustainable future."

For details go to dreamland.co.uk

Dreamland in Margate
Dreamland in Margate
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