The new neon lighting, as part of the famous vertical Dreamland sign, are lighting up the skies of Margate once again following restoration as part of our works at the heritage theme park.
Local artist Tracey Emin was the guest of honour at the official switch-on event, which marked an important milestone in the revival of Dreamland.
The neon signage once again brings a sense of grandeur and glamour back to Margate’s iconic seafront having been given great care and attention to accurately light up the past. Our latest phase of work, on behalf of Thanet District Council, involved the renovation of the Grade II* listed building that was formerly home to the Sunshine Café which before it was acquired by Thanet Council it had been neglected for many years.
A specialist historical lighting technique enabled the original colours of the sign to be accurately replicated and involved working with Historic England, the public body that looks after England’s historic environment.
The ‘new’ signage is a hybrid of glass neon tubes, for the DREAMLAND letters and the strips on the front of the fin, whereas LEDs have been used for the strips on the fascia, fin and along the tops of the walls as these are more vulnerable to vandalism.
Dreamland dates back to the British railway boom of the 1860s and is considered to be the oldest-surviving amusement park in the country. Our second phase of works at the theme park will contribute to Margate’s growing reputation as the new capital of British cool.
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