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Dreamland visitor figures reveal thousands visit Margate attraction

Dreamland may have had a rollercoaster ride with its finances - but it is celebrating after thousands visited the reopened attraction in the first six months.

Figures just released for visitors reveal 7,500 fun seekers flocked to the Margate theme park on its first day on June 19.

But it set a new record a few days ago, when 8,500 visited the centre's Frosted Fairground for the Coca-Cola day on December 19.

Three year old Grace with mum Karen about to enjoy the first ride of the day. Picture: Tony Flashman
Three year old Grace with mum Karen about to enjoy the first ride of the day. Picture: Tony Flashman

Six thousand people have become members and 21,000 tickets have been sold to events.

Of all those who pre-booked tickets to Dreamland before the end of August, nearly a third came from London.

The figures were released just a day after the company running Dreamland bought itself extra time to pay off debts of almost £2.9 million.

Sands Heritage Limited laid out a voluntary arrangement (CVA) to creditors, meaning it could continue to trade if creditors allowed it to pay debts over a fixed period.

Creditors agreed overwhelmingly to back the rescue package.

The Austin Pedal cars
The Austin Pedal cars

But the team running it say the town has benefited hugely from the centre.

Organisers said the town has also seen an uplift since the summer. The Smiths Court Hotel on Eastern Esplanade has recorded a 77% jump on weekend breaks, with Southeastern reporting a strong growth in off-peak journeys to Margate.

The Turner Contemporary gallery was also quoted as seeing a 25% rise in visitors over the summer.

Dreamland launched a discounted twilight ticket at the attraction
Dreamland launched a discounted twilight ticket at the attraction

Dreamland facts:

  • It has employed 368 people
  • 320 tonnes of timber and 100,000 screws were used to make the Scenic Railway
  • 5,000 portions of fish and chips have been eaten there since launch
  • 1,700 visits have been made to Santa's Grotto so far

But it is not just attractions that have seen a boost.

It was recently announced that house prices in Margate saw the highest rise in the UK outside of London in 2015, with a 24% rise from January to November.

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