Dreamland: Britain's oldest amusement park is set to reopen this summer in Margate
Boycie attended the park to share memories with locals of when the Only Fools and Horses cast filmed 'The Jolly Boys' Outing'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dreamland Margate, Britain’s oldest amusement park, is set to reopen in June of this year after being closed for 10 years.
An £18m refurbishment has taken place with some of the original rides being restored. The star attraction Grade II-listed scenic railway, which was damaged in arson attacks in 2008, has been returned to its former glory.
In its prime the park was a 16-acre site that held a zoo, miniature railway, bars, cafes shops restaurants and a 2,200 seat purpose built cinema.
John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, attended the park today to share memories with locals of when the cast filmed 'The Jolly Boys' Outing'.
The reopening has been welcomed by the local community, who have campaigned effortlessly to save the iconic park. Fighting off a proposed housing and retail developments, The Dreamland Trust, a local lobby group set up to get the park reopened, secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Government's SeaChange Scheme.
Dreamland Margate opening its doors again is a massive boost to the seaside town as it will create 200 new jobs in hospitality and retail, and is seen as the latest stage in the Margate regeneration project. In 2011 the Turner Contemporary gallery was opened, while new hotel openings and restaurants have also improved the image of the town.
The all new Dreamland has been revamped by the designer Wayne Hemingway and will have a vintage theme throughout, with helter skelters, a roller disco, as well as a few brand new rides and rollercoasters.
Tickets for the park went on sale to crowds of locals at 8am, and online at 10am today, which caused the website to crash from demand.
The first 500 people to purchase tickets received a prized memento - a cube of wood made from the original railway planks.
Tickets cost £14.95 for adults and £12.95 for children, are available at www.dreamlandmargate.com.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments