After days of mounting speculation, Banksy has unveiled his new UK show based in Weston-super-Mare’s derelict Tropicana building.
The elusive artist has developed the site into a "bemusement park" called Dismaland with 18 attractions.
The show will feature work from fellow contemporary artists Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty, and will run for six weeks.
Pictures of rollercoasters and castles were pictured being built at the site earlier this week, as reports spread that Banksy was linked to the project.
The Dismaland Castle. pic.twitter.com/Umv2R45fvL
— Chris Green (@cghgreen) August 20, 2015
A Banksy original: the Grim Reaper driving a dodgem as Stayin' Alive plays... pic.twitter.com/7LfOULxcW0
— Chris Green (@cghgreen) August 20, 2015
Welcome to Dismaland. pic.twitter.com/AAscLGkQlO
— Chris Green (@cghgreen) August 20, 2015
The stencil for #Dismaland attributed to #Banksy is by Hijack, in the Jewellery Quarter, #Brum. I snapped it 2014 pic.twitter.com/GAoBXgX63Q
— Andy Smart (@djcolatron) August 20, 2015
The artist, who is thought to be from the West Country, said: “I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honour.
The exterior to 'Dismaland' , the exhibition opens this weekend
Big Rig Jig, an artwork by Mike Ross, on display at Dismaland - Bemusement Park, Banksy's biggest show to date, in Western-super-Mare, Somerset.
The grim reaper rides the dodgems at Dismaland - Bemusement Park, Banksy's biggest show to date, in Western-super-Mare, Somerset.
A piece by Banksy depicting Cinderella falling from her pumpkin carriage goes on display during the press view of Dismaland
“I hope everyone from Weston will take the opportunity to once more stand in a puddle of murky water eating cold chips to the sound of crying children.”
Dismaland is the artist’s first authorised show in the UK since “Banksy v Bristol Museum” in 2009.
Inside ‘Dismaland’: Banksy’s Sinister Disney-Trolling Theme Park Reportedly Opens This Weekend http://t.co/WJmcjEmHM1 pic.twitter.com/Sw62bVouTg
— The Utilidor (@TheUtilidor) August 17, 2015
Nigel Ashton, leader of North Somerset Council, said: “We have been working closely with the organisers for months now, and for obvious reasons, have had to remain tight-lipped about the true nature of the event.
“In fact, only four people in the entire council knew what was really happening.”
Who's up for Banksy's Dismaland then? - http://t.co/rfQNWAkBvZ pic.twitter.com/vQclKNOMlt
— Andrew Hippisley (@AndyHippz) August 20, 2015
The Tropicana outdoor pool and leisure facility closed in 2000 after a decline in visitor numbers.
The revamped seaside amusement park follows the renovation of Dreamland in Margate, Kent in June.
