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Only Fools Day will see sitcom stars return to Dreamland, Margate, where the Jolly Boys' Outing Christmas special was filmed

The cast of BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses are returning to Kent for a Jolly Boys' Outing this April.

Dreamland, in Margate, was used as a filming location for the series’ 1989 Christmas special and now the cast are returning to the vintage fairground more than 30 years later.

Kent actor Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce, will return to Dreamland for Only Fools Day. Picture: © BBC One
Kent actor Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce, will return to Dreamland for Only Fools Day. Picture: © BBC One

The venue’s Hall By the Sea is celebrating the much-loved TV show with an Only Fools Day on Saturday, April 1. You can book tickets online here.

Patrick Murray, who lives in Higham, and Steven Woodcock, known for playing the roles of Mickey Pearce and Jevon, both appeared in the Jolly Boys' Outing episode and will be sharing behind-the-scenes stories with fans as they return to the Kent coast.

The episode, which first aired on Christmas Day in 1989, follows Del Boy, Rodney and the Nag’s Head regulars as they head on a road trip to Margate.

During their trip, the group pay a visit to the fairground and are seen on various attractions, including the Scenic Railway roller coaster and the Mary Rose boat ride, which was removed from the park in 1996.

Dreamland has changed in the 34 years since the Christmas episode aired. Picture: Dreamland
Dreamland has changed in the 34 years since the Christmas episode aired. Picture: Dreamland

The rest of the episode was also filmed in location in and around Thanet.

The exterior of the police station, which is used in a scene where Rodney kicks a football at a policeman, is the now closed Broadstairs Police Station, and the hotel exteriors were filmed in Dalby Square in Cliftonville.

The infamous scene of the Jolly Boys’ coach exploding as they prepare to leave Margate was filmed in the car park of an aquarium in Cliftonville, which is now Bethesda Medical Centre.

The Only Fools and Horses cast filming on location at Margate train station. Picture: BBC
The Only Fools and Horses cast filming on location at Margate train station. Picture: BBC

The 85-minute episode was watched by more than 20 million viewers when it first aired. It was the show’s eighth Christmas special and features the song Margate by Chas and Dave as the credits rolls, instead of the usual theme song.

Also appearing at Dreamland for Only Fools Day are cast members Daniel Peacock (Mental Mickey), Michael Fenton (Alan Perkins), Phillip Pope (Tony Angelino), Michael Jayston (James Turner) and Dawn Perllman (Amanda).

There will also be scene re-enactments, a Q&A with the cast, an exhibition of original props, an auction and raffle to win signed memorabilia and photo opportunities, which can be added to your ticket for £5.

There will also be a detailed replica of the Trotters Independent Traders three-wheeled van.

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