Following the success of the release on Monday 9th January of Sir Sam Mendes’ film Empire of Light, which was filmed at Dreamland and around Margate, the venue’s CEO Eddie Kemsley is delighted to announce that the amusement park will open for its summer season on weekends and holidays from Saturday 1st April 2023.

Over the winter months the park has undergone significant renovations and this year it will feature an exciting new family coaster, plus new amusements such as Crazy Golf, a reimagined Mirror Maze and Pinball machines. These new attractions will sit alongside the much loved Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster, and the iconic Big Wheel. As in previous seasons, Dreamland will be free to enter and pay per ride.

Park goers can enjoy the delights of the retro roller disco, the popular arcade and amusements plus food and drink, provided by handpicked local traders. This year, pop up activations, art installations and free outdoor screenings from the Scenic stage are also set to entertain.

Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland said: “We’ve got a bumper season planned for 2023 with new additions to our ride line up, plus a packed programme of entertainment and live music. We’re so excited to bring good vibes, plenty of smiles and all the fun of the festival back to Margate once more.”

Dreamland will also play host to its biggest ever lineup of gigs. The most exciting array of acts on the south coast includes Annie Mac’s latest club night offering, Before Midnight, in Hall By the Sea and open air concerts from Kool and the Gang, Tom Jones, Will Young, Bastille, Chase and Status and Shy FX, McFly, Hacienda Classical, N-Dubz, The Human League with special guest star Marc Almond, Primal Scream and Happy Mondays on the same bill and Olly Murs. A full lineup of gigs can be found at www.dreamland.co.uk. Further acts will be announced soon.

James Penfold, Head of Live Entertainment said: “At Dreamland we continually strive to bring a diverse and eclectic line-up of acts and performers to Margate, and we are honoured to host such artists as Kool and the Gang, Primal Scream, Olly Murs, Tom Jones and Annie Mac. The venue continues to grow in stature, promoters put on some of their most memorable shows here and the artists love playing in our various venues. 2023 is shaping up to be another brilliant year for music in Margate.”

Also in 2023 will be the new comedy drama series Dreamland from Merman (Bad Sisters, Motherland) starring the likes of Lily Allen, Freema Agyeman and Sheila Reid. Filmed last year, the series features Dreamland and other Margate locations. The show will air on Sky Atlantic this year.

Dreamland is anchored in the local community, providing permanent office, workshop and exhibition space for charitable organisations such as People Dem Collective, who work with Black, Brown and Diaspora communities; Resort Studios, a contemporary arts organisation supporting practitioners at different levels of their careers. Dreamland also works with charities such as Kent Association for the Blind, Margate Women’s Institute, The BeYou Project part of the charity, Porchlight, UK Creative Festival, Creative Foundation, Arts Education Exchange and RISE UP. CLEAN UP.