Thomas Bridge 21 August 2015

Banksy theme park ‘Dismaland’ to open in council’s former lido

World-renowned graffiti artist Banksy has opened a new theme park ‘Dismaland’ at a former council lido in the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare.

Satirical art on display includes a statue of a crashed Cinderella pumpkin encircled by paparazzi, a ruined Disney style castle and a warped version of the Little Mermaid.

The ticketed event will open this weekend for a five-week show at former lido ‘the Tropicana’, which is owned by North Somerset Council.

It will also include work from a range of artists including Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty.

Banksy said: ‘I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honour.’

North Somerset Council leader, Cllr Nigel Ashton, said organisers had remained ‘tight-lipped’ about the event, with only four people at the local authority told what was actually happening.

‘It gives me enormous pleasure to be hosting this world-class art exhibition in North Somerset, as well as great relief to be able to talk about it, finally,’ Cllr Ashton said.

‘I had a preview of the exhibition while it was still being assembled last week, and I have to say, it is absolutely brilliant. As well as entertaining, it’s also incredibly thought provoking.

‘I am hugely proud that North Somerset Council is hosting this event. As well as welcoming the many thousands of people who will visit over the coming weeks, from all over the world, we are also keen to use this event to profile North Somerset, the opportunities that are here, and our ambition for the area.’

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

Coventry City Council
£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recuriter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

Derbyshire County Council
£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
£29,093 - £32,654 p.a. i.e. Grade 7
We are looking to appoint a Support Worker to work within the Direct Payments Team to provide advice and support to people accessing Direct Payments.  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Specialist Support Interpreter

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English & Maths Functional Skills and ESOL.   An opportunity has arisen fo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 (Pre-Progression)/ Grade 11 £39,513 - £43,693 (Post-Progression)
Are you an experienced social worker keen to ensure that children and young people, who, unable to live with their parents are brought up by members o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner