It was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The only information we had was to gather at the gates of Dreamland at 12 noon. Me and my mum waited with seemingly the rest of Margate, hushed under a cloudless sky. I felt like Veruca Salt.

The town had been invited to tour the derelict amusement park, to celebrate the council’s victory at compulsarily purchasing the site. A newspaper had been printed, proclaiming it as ‘take back Dreamland.’ And the amazing turn-out confirmed that restoring this historic park was something everyone in the town could get behind.

I was a little disappointed that we only had access to the outside space, next to the listed wooden roller coaster. Original metal parasol seats were used as mini-stalls. There were a couple of old dodgem cars that you could sit in. All in all it was a bit like the ‘Funland’ fete in Father Ted.

The above space may look like a Wacky Warehouse, but it’s actually the canteen, the floor covered in moss. I was hoping to see more of the interior spaces, after local blog The Curio tantalised me with these wonderful shots.

Get me in that bingo hall now! All in all it felt wonderful to be there. The plans for renovating Dreamland seem realistic, sympathetic and achievable. It must be a success. And the crowds of locals cramming through the gates under the beautiful blue sky of Saturday’s tour was a great start.