We look at the arrival of Banksy’s secretive Dismaland project, which hits Weston-super-Mare this weekend.
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Somerset Council were also in on the act, telling Mashable on Tuesday they’d heard a film was being shot at the site, and passing on the production company’s very official sounding Gmail address for more information.
The “Bemusement” park comes complete with a fairytale castle, a boat pond full of asylum seekers, two ballet-performing juggernauts and an anarchist training camp running classes in how to break into bus billboards.
Not for small children, Banksy describes the park as “a festival of art, amusements and entry level anarchism”.
The Bristol-based artist was inspired to create the park after peeking through a gap in the fence at the Tropicana site in January.
Leanne Witts, 37, who is on holiday in the resort with husband Lee, 42, and their two children, said: “Somebody asked one of the security guards what is going on and he said: “I don’t know – I’m outside”.
The show is his first in the UK since 2009’s Banksy v Bristol Museum show which drew huge crowds.
The artist added that numerous works require “audience participation”.
Photographs show that a derelict pink castle and a metal sculpture of a horse have been placed on the Tropicana site along with artwork. Water Cannon Creek promises “an armour plated riot control vehicle built to serve on the streets of Northern Ireland”.
“I’m sure the exhibition will be a massive success and do wonders for Weston”. Convince people you’re a necessarily-covert, revolutionary, quasi-anarchistic, anti-capitalist artist and you can bank millions without ever having to give up your real name or put yourself on the line by taking a public stand against anything.
“Most of the artists are talking about our world today, which is changing very quickly”. As well as entertaining, it’s also incredibly thought provoking.
And, In true British seaside style, the team behind Dismaland have donned their metaphorical red blazers and pulled together some entertainment for the punters.
“I’m lucky because what I make either succeeds or fails”.
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Thousands of extra visitors are expected to descend on the North Somerset town to visit the exhibition.
