Rather than competing with the hi-tech thrills offered by other UK theme parks, the park features a collection of rides celebrating the heritage of amusement parks. Famous designer Wayne Hemingway has worked his magic, creating a distinctly retro vision for the £18m project following a long campaign by The Dreamland Trust to get the park back open.

It was a shame that 6 of the 19 rides and attractions were unavailable for the launch, the Scenic Railway (Britain's oldest surviving rollercoaster), The Big Wheel of Colour, Caterpillar Coaster, Born Slippy, Kiss Me Quick and Monotopia. There were also a few hired in travelling fairground rides to substitute for the restored rides that weren't ready in time such as the Chair-O-Plane, Twister and Tea Cups.

The project has clearly been a massive undertaking for the staff and volunteers that have no doubt worked tirelessly to get it ready, many of which were still setting up and painting things as the first visitors entered the park at 11am following the speeches and ribbon cutting. The enthusiasm from the huge team of people keeping everything going was infectious, wearing t-shirts emblazoned with lines such as 'we cater for pleasure', giving the whole place a really wonderful celebratory atmosphere.

Our favourites were the rider controlled Hurricane Jets, thrilling Jumping Pirate Boats and classic Dodgems featuring bespoke designs. Other popular attractions were the Gallopers, Helter Skelter, Dream Cars, Mirror Maze and Swing Boats. A last minute addition to the ride line-up was the Crazy Mouse coaster, and as a special treat for the opening an exciting Wall of Death show.

The historic park also includes a beautiful Roller Room that wasn't yet in action, a Penny Arcade, stylish Street Food corner with delicious treats and an Emporium packed with high quality souvenirs. Coming soon, there will also be a Ballroom, Cafe and the Octopus's Garden indoor play area. 

The evening was a great opportunity to enjoy rides in the dark as the park became illuminated, and there was a packed schedule of live entertainment with everything from English pop rock duo Chas & Dave to headline act Marina and the Diamonds.