Dismaland

Last weekend I was lucky enough to have had to chance to experience the wonders of Dismaland Bemusement Park. The UK’s more disappointing attraction. Dismaland which closed its doors at 10pm Sunday was a temporary art exhibition organised by the famous street artist Banksy showcasing some new works by himself and other artist’s. The exhibition took place in the abandoned Tropicana Lido in Weston-Super-Mare throughout September. Due to the nature of the event and fame of Banksy the temporary event was a major sell out! It was nearly impossible to actually get any of the tickets sold on the website therefore when I laid eyes on my confirmation page informing me I had got tickets I was shocked!

As you may be able to work out from the name “Dismaland” the whole theme of the park was to be the opposite of theme parks which Banksy feel provide a false sense of wonder. During one of my many hours of research I read that the staff had miserable training! They first believed they had been selected to be a film extra however due to secrecy of Dismaland until they did not find out the truth until they where fully trained on the art of misery. The staff where a great part of the entire experience upon entering though security my park map was rudely thrown at me causing me to have to pick it up.

Dismaland was full or weird things such as the Cinderella castle showcasing paparazzi photographing her crashed carriage, The Carousel portraying the horsemeat scandal, The meditation refugee remote control boats and the strange and sometimes disturbing videos on the outdoor movie trailer. The games where also strange or even pointless! I have to admit I couldn’t resit having a go trying to topple an anvil with a ping-pong ball (Allowing me to win a “Strive for Excellence” badge by David Shrigley ) and the Ferris Wheel which gave me great areal views of the park.  I ran out of time so unfortunately did not get to experience the Hook a Duck from the Muck stall. However I did get to try the Food which was impressive and far from dismal considering the dismal nature of the park. Dismaland had a buzzing to terrace bar and also the Pizza tent which served an impressive and very tasty “Plain Jane” pizza.

While I wouldn’t call myself an art fan. I did enjoy the main gallery featuring works by Banksy and other carefully selected artists. I found some the art quite interesting and thought-provoking. I photographed every item of art in the gallery so am only going to be posting some of my favourites below. I particularly liked the Grim Reaper on a dodgem one of the first things I saw when I entered the gallery. The Grim Reaper ironically dances around on the dodgem to the song “Staying Alive” which I have included him in my video.

I hope you enjoy looking at my photos and watching my video which I hope gives a great insight into what the Dismaland park was like.

Photos

Video