CEO, DREAMLAND MARGATE
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT 21
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EDDIE KEMSLEY
CEO, DREAMLAND MARGATE
EDDIE KEMSLEY DREAMLAND
Hi Eddie. You’ re CEO of Dreamland, Margate; can you tell us a bit about your professional journey to this point?
It has been a rollercoaster! At university in Bristol I was involved in promoting club nights and working in bars and late-night venues, which definitely sparked my interest in events and hospitality. I then moved to London where I worked in commercial development launching multiple venues including Bed and Nylon. Additionally, I was part of the Lovebox launch team and also opened London’ s iconic KOKO. Next, I worked on visitor attractions. First, for the Aspinall Foundation with animal parks and The Hop Farm in Kent, which hosted large scale music events, as well as an annual 100,000 capacity military show. Dreamland Margate followed soon after and I have been here ever since with a two-year break running Kidzania, a large-scale children’ s role play experience based in London, between 2017- 2019.
2025 marks both Dreamland’ s 105th anniversary and a decade since its reopening. What’ s been the biggest challenge you’ ve faced in your role and how did you overcome it?
It is hard to think of a single thing. Every day at Dreamland brings new surprises and adventures. What I love about the job is its variety. I can be welcoming Sir Tom Jones one day and figuring out a plumbing issue the next! I am lucky to work with an exceptional team of people who all play critical roles in keeping the park open and making sure we are offering the best experience possible for all of our customers.
What’ s been your proudest moment?
As before, singling any one thing out is tricky, but I can tell you that every time I stand at the back of the arena by the Scenic Stage watching a 7,500 capacity crowd of people having the time of their lives as their favourite band plays, I get a real thrill. Just the same way I get a thrill seeing the look of joy on young children’ s faces as they walk through the archway and into the colourful world of the park.
Have you always had a passion for live music and festivals?
Yes, since I was very young I have been a massive music fan, so getting the opportunity to work somewhere that hosts some of the most iconic artists in the world is a real privilege. For me, there is something really special about the collective experience of watching music played live that always surpasses the pleasures of listening to it at home!
What’ s been the most memorable event you’ ve been part of at Dreamland? Any standout performances?
Oh goodness, so many! Too many to choose from, but if I was forced, seeing Tom Jones back at Dreamland after over 50 years was pretty special. The crowd at the Madness gigs are always really fantastic too, and last but not least, De La Soul, Roots and Pharcide last summer was a masterclass.
What can people expect from Dreamland’ s celebratory summer season?
Another eclectic, amazing and exceptional year of performances. Everything from Pendulum Live and the Margate Reggae Festival with the likes of UB40 and Maxi Priest. Rewind 25 featuring Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, Heaven 17 and more, Texas, Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, The Libertines and good old southeast favourites, Squeeze- this is to name just a few! It is going to be truly epic!
Anything else you’ d like to add?
Just to say that we can’ t wait to welcome everyone to Dreamland again this year; it’ s shaping up to be a wonderful year full of memorable nights of music and amazing days of fun in the park.
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