Dreamland's Scenic Railway Opens
DREAMLAND: BRITAIN’S ORIGINAL ROLLER COASTER SET TO REOPEN TOMORROW
- Dreamland Margate’s Scenic Railway, the oldest roller coaster in the UK, opens on Friday 16th October 2015, ready for Screamland, Dreamland’s Halloween scare festival
- Opening marks the completion of the Dreamland Amusement Park, part of one of the UK’s biggest restoration projects
- Dreamland Members have the opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway first before it opens to the public
- Thanks to National Lottery players, the 1920’s Grade II* listed Scenic Railway has been painstakingly restored after it was destroyed almost a decade ago
- Dreamland’s new future has been largely supported by a grant of almost £6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Funding has also been received from Thanet District Council and Sands Heritage Ltd
- MEDIA PREVIEW: Tomorrow: Thursday 15th October, 9am – 11am
- SCREAMLAND MEDIA PREVIEW:Thursday 15th October from 12pm (with media room provided, including refreshments and lunch between 11am and 12pm)
Dreamland Margate’s Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest roller coaster, will open again tomorrow (Friday 16th October) following a major restoration project. For the first time since it was destroyed in a fire almost ten years ago, the jewel in Dreamland’s beachfront crown is once again set to thrill visitors in an old fashioned, yet oh so fashionable way. The opening marks the completion of the amusement park at Dreamland, a pioneering £28m development project, with more that 17 restored rides and amusements, plus a Roller Disco, The Octopus’ Garden, Dreamland Emporium, restaurants, food stalls, arcades and ice cream parlour – all from the golden age of the British seaside.
With the launch of its Membership packages in the summer season, Dreamland will be giving members the fantastic opportunity to be the first guests to exclusively experience the Scenic Railway, from 1pm on 15th October, before it opens to the public the very next day. The Membership scheme permits members to preview new rides, events and attractions throughout the year, depending on what package is selected. For more information, please go to http://www.dreamland.co.uk/membership
The Scenic Railway restoration will be completed just in time to transform into the ‘Screamic Railway’ when Dreamland mutates into Screamland, from 16th to 31st October. In an industrial hellhole beneath the ‘Screamic Railway’, a mechanical monstrosity, known as The Scream Machine, powers the coaster above. Fuelled by fear, the living power station feeds on screams and its swarm of monkeys must keep it fed at all costs. For information about the Screamland media preview, please go to the end of this press release.
The Grade II* listed Scenic Railway first opened in the 1920’s and has the UK’s leading attraction welcoming more than one million visitors in its first year. It fell into disrepair when Dreamland closed in 2006 and was then destroyed in an arson attack in 2008. The railway, which has taken more than a yearto complete, has seen some of the world’s leading restoration specialists brought in to ensure its original character has been maintained whilst bringing it up to speed with modern day standards.
Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to be announcing the launch of the Scenic Railway. The opening of the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster is another fantastic reason for people to come to Margate and to visit Dreamland. This historic milestone comes after the enormous success of the opening of the park, which contributed to a 55% increase in hotel stays in Margate, year on year. We want to thank everyone for their patience and support of Dreamland, especially our supportive members who will be rewarded by exclusively experiencing the Scenic before the public on Thursday 15th October.”
The re-invigorated Scenic Railway, made of over 320 tonnes of timber and 100,000 screws, will feature three upcycled carriages and detailed finishings that ensure it’s brought up to its former glory. The mile-long track has been hand assembled and connected by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods and will be operated by a full-time brakeman, who famously sits on an elevated seat holding a giant lever to slow the train down as it cruises around the Margate skyline.
Since the launch in June this year – complete with performances from Chas & Dave and Marina and The Diamonds – Dreamland has welcomed thousands of visitors old and new from around the country. From traditional Gallopers and Helter Skelter to the adrenaline-pumping Jumping Tower and Kiss Me Quick, Dreamland houses over 17 large rides alongside expansive events spaces including, 600 capacity ballroom, The Octopus’s Garden, Roller Disco and Diner, vintage arcades and ice cream parlour. The design-led project has been overseen by HemingwayDesign and has brought a new least of life to Margate.
Dreamland plays a significant role in the continued regeneration of Margate. The first phase of opening has created 250 jobs in the local area.
Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, says: “The opening of Dreamland’s Scenic Railway marks a key milestone in the wider restoration project and is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from all involved. Dreamland will play a crucial role in the regeneration of Margate and provide a significant boost to the local economy, and the Heritage Lottery Fund are delighted to be involved. This month will see the site transformed for Halloween and we’re sure everyone will have a spookily fun time!”
Director of Community Services for Thanet District Council, Larissa Reed, says: “We’re delighted that the Scenic Railway is open for the public to ride once again. Breathing new life into Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster has been an immense challenge, but the time, dedication and attention to detail taken by our contractors to replicate an authentic heritage experience has been worth the wait. I’m sure the sights and sounds of the iconic Scenic Railway will evoke many happy memories from the community who have been so passionate and patient with this journey. The launch today marks another positive step forward in the continued regeneration of our original seaside town. A big thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund, our wider partners and the community for helping this ambitious vision become a reality.”
Nick Laister, Chair, The Dreamland Trust, says: "My first involvement with the Scenic Railway was to ask for the ride to become a listed building back in 2001. Since then the Scenic Railway has been a big part of my life. I led the Save Dreamland Campaign, where thousands of passionate members fought to save this ride, even after the devastating fire of 2008. The Dreamland Trust was then instrumental in securing funding to rebuild the Scenic Railway. It is the crowning moment of our 12-year efforts to bring Dreamland back, and I am sure it will delight many new generations of riders.”
For more information, visit www.dreamland.co.uk