Thousands have arrived by train, too, with Great Western Railways witnessing a doubling of numbers on the Paddington to Weston-super-Mare line.
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Dismaland, which described itself as “entry-level anarchism”, aims to parody the tourist and theme park industries. Tourism body Visit Somerset said the exhibition had brought 20 million pounds ($30 million) to a region that has struggled since foreign vacations replaced local seaside holidays for many Britons. A previous exhibition, “Banksy vs Bristol Museum” generated a large number of crowds because of Banksy’s desire to remain controversial. However, thanks to Dismaland, almost every bed in Weston has been sold each night. Hotel owner Keith Fearn, who is chairman of the Weston Hotel & Restaurant Association said, “September sees normally a drop in figures as autumn weather approaches and children back to school”. “Mexico, Thailand, China, America – everywhere”.
Anyone with a small plot of land on the seafront has opened temporary vehicle parks, often charging £5, which is more than the £3 admission to Dismaland itself. In monetary terms, this equates to around £4.5m extra revenue.
Everyone has noted the irony of the anti-capitalist art show boosting business.
John Turner says the show just proves people in Weston can laugh at themselves. Visitors have been asked to wear masks so Banksy can attend incognito.
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Russian punk group/political activists Pussy Riot were also on hand for Dismaland’s final concert, and the troupe staged a performance art piece featuring fake protesters, riot police and a new song titled “Refugees In”, a song inspired by the wave of Syrian refugees now seeking safety in Europe.
