The ever-elusive street artist Banksy has struck again. After his month-long takeover of NYC in 2013, Banksy returns to the art scene to open his very own amusement park Dismaland. The theme park is located in the desolated Tropicana building in Weston-super-Mare, England, where the dreary background adds to the macabre of the gloom-filled amusement park.
And, in the grand tradition of famous amusement parks—think Knott’s Berry Farm and Coney Island—Bansky’s Dismaland will host three live performances during its five week long run. The live shows begin August 28 with a sets by i-D DJ, DJ Yoda, and a collaboration between Peanut Butter Wolf and Breakbeat Lou. Run the Jewels will tear up the dismal venue on September 4, with Savages and Sleaford Mods following the next weekend. Feminist punk band and all around badasses Pussy Riot will close the park alongside sure-to-be riotous performances by Kate Tempest and Massive Attack.
The interactive park is filled with rides that are just as dark as they are fun-filled. The park’s attractions include a grim rendition of Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle and a statue of Shamu jumping out of a toilet, which seems to take Blackfish to the next level. The family park, which is not completely appropriate for children, is Bansky’s first exhibit in the UK since 2009 and features ten new works by the artist. UK-based artist Damien Hirst and American neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer added works to the 50 piece exhibit, as well.
Bansky’s Dismaland is Disney’s weird goth cousin. And, as much as we are afraid of her, we still want really want to hang.
Tickets and a full map of the park are available on dismaland.co.uk.
Credits
Text Hana Beach
Photo courtesy dismaland.co.uk