KentOnline

bannermobile

News

Sport

Business

What's On

Advertise

Contact

Other KM sites

CORONAVIRUS WATCH KMTV LIVE SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERS LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS LISTEN TO KMFM
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
News

Blackpool Illuminations donated to Dreamland in Margate after visit to Pleasure Beach in Lancashire by Dreamland Trust and Hemingway Design

By: Peter Barnett

Published: 10:00, 20 August 2014

Blackpool's world-famous illuminations are coming to Dreamland fun park in Margate.

Some props that make up part of the show on the Lancashire coast have been donated to the park, following a visit from management.

Among the selection are fountains, snowflakes, angels, devils and all manner of sparkling decorative features.

Blackpool tower and illuminations. Picture: Mark S Jobling

The Dreamland Trust and Hemingway Design visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach and went behind-the-scenes at the illuminations HQ, archive and works depot.

Head of illuminations Richard Ryan agreed donate selected items to the Thanet fun park.

mpu1

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: "The Dreamland restoration plans are is a real community effort and have attracted great support.

"It's pleasing that Blackpool will be able to make a contribution to such a historic landmark.

"We wish all the Dreamland team the very best with their project."

Blackpool Illuminations which have been donated to Dreamland

Eddie Kemsley, director at Dreamland, said: "We're delighted that Blackpool Illuminations – one of the most iconic sights in British culture – has donated items towards Dreamland ahead of its opening next year.

"We plan to make good use of the items in very creative ways."

Blackpool's world-famous illuminations came about in the 1870s when the council awarded £5,000 to experiment with electric street lighting.

Dreamland on Margate seafront

Dr Siemens' eight dynamo-electric machines, powered by 16 Robey engines, were switched on in September 1879 to power eight arc lamps on along the seafront emitting light equivalent to 48,000 candles with approximately 100,000 people from across the UK travelling to marvel at the spectacle.

More by this author

sticky

© KM Group - 2024