Dreamland optimistic as record numbers visit troubled heritage attraction
by Tom Anstey | 28 Jul 2016
Dreamland had a tough opening year but things are looking up for the heritage theme park
Despite its financial woes, things are looking promising for Margate's Dreamland, with the heritage theme park in the UK drawing record attendance for a single day earlier this month.
In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Dreamland introduced a pay as you play model in June, becoming free-to-enter with visitors paying to use individual rides or opting to buy an unlimited day pass.
That tactic, combined with this month’s warm weather, appears to have paid off, with 10,000 people descending on the heritage attraction on 16 July.
Relaunched on 19 June 2015 following an £18m (US$26m, €23.3m) restoration, the attraction failed to draw enough visitors to the park in its debut year, with its operator Sands Heritage entering administration on 27 May.
Despite setbacks, Dreamland officials have said they are confident of breaking visitor records this summer and autumn thanks to a large events programme and having all of the park’s ride open for business, notably its 96-year-old scenic railway.
Dreamland theme park heritage Margate14 Jun 2016
Free entry for Dreamland guests as park adopts new pay as you play model
01 Jun 2016
New operator sought as Margate's Dreamland enters administration
24 May 2016
Only Fools and Horses exhibition readies for opening at Margate's Dreamland
10 Dec 2015
Dreamland loses £5m in opening season, operator blames council blunder
15 Oct 2015
UK's oldest rollercoaster reopens after grand restoration
Despite its financial woes, things are looking promising for Margate's Dreamland, with the heritage theme park in the UK drawing record attendance for a single day earlier this month. In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Dreamland introduced a pay as you play model in June, becoming free-to-enter with visitors paying to use individual rides or opting to buy an unlimited day pass. That tactic, combined with this month’s
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