A summer series of live music from huge artists is about to kick off on the Kent coast.

Dreamland, Margate’s vintage fairground and open-air concert venue, is gearing up for a busy few months as artists like Madness, Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill, Nile Rodgers and Limp Bizkit are set to perform on the outdoor Scenic Stage.

The concerts, many of which are part of the Margate Summer Series, have become an unmissable part of Kent’s summer calendar since launching just a couple of years ago.

“[The Margate Summer Series] has grown by 50% from last year,” says organiser Rob Waller. “We have tried to get as much variety as possible, so there really is something for everyone. There’s such a high demand for shows, it makes the series so exciting.”

This year, the series includes headline sets from Bryan Adams, Craig David, Paloma Faith, Simple Minds, JLS and Manic Street Preachers.

The artists will be performing against the backdrop of the fairground, including the historic Scenic Railway roller coaster, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

“I think there’s nowhere else in the country that has such a unique setting,” adds Rob. “Where else has an amazing concert arena within a theme park and over the road from one of the best beaches in the South East? One of the best concert experiences is having the sun set behind the main stage as one of your favourite bands comes on.”

While fans get excited for this year’s concerts, Rob is busy making plans for the future.

“I’d love to see Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan,” he ponders. “It would be great to do a really big Libertines ‘hometown show’ too. Perhaps a massive hip-hop band like Wu-Tang Clan and some really cool ‘80s rock like Blondie would be amazing!”

If you’re heading to Dreamland this summer, we’ve got a complete guide on how to navigate the concerts, from where to park to the best pubs for a pint before the gig, below – and don’t forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a VIP tickets to all of this year’s concerts.

When are the concerts?

Dreamland’s summer concerts kick off on Friday, June 7 with rock band Elbow, followed by the first Margate Summer Series event on Saturday, June 8 with a DJ set from Rudimental.

The series continues until Saturday, September 21, when Sister Sledge will close the season as part of the Love Unlimited Festival.

You can find a full list of artists and dates here.

How do I get there?

Dreamland is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Margate train station.

This year, Southeastern railway are putting on a special timetable of late trains on Fridays and Saturdays to ensure people can get home after the concerts.

From Saturday, June 2, the following last trains will depart from Margate on most weekends:

Towards Ashford via Canterbury: 11.10pm (Friday) and 11.30pm (Saturday)

Towards Ashford via Dover: 11.18pm (Friday and Saturday)

Towards Gillingham via Faversham: 11.35pm (Friday and Saturday)

You can find more information on the Dreamland website.

If you are catching the bus to and from Canterbury, the nearest bus stop is Marine Terrace, outside the amusement arcade, and the last bus departs at 10.15pm.

If you are getting the bus to elsewhere in Thanet, the nearest bus stop is Cecil Street outside the Thanet District Council Office. The loop around Margate, Cliftonville, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross runs until 11.45pm (11.35pm on Sundays).

Where can I park?

For those who are driving, there is a large multi-storey car park just behind the fairground on All Saints Avenue.

Parking at Arlington Car Park costs between £1.50 and £9 and can be paid via the RingGo app or cash using the machines.

Alternatively, Mill Lane Car Park, which is around a seven-minute walk from the venue, offers free parking on Saturdays and Sundays.

Where to get a pint before the show?

Margate is full of great bars where you can stop off for a beachfront cocktail or locally brewed pint before heading into the venue.

If you’re short on time, the closest bars are Cinque Ports, a Georgian seafront serving cocktails and Mexican food, and the Mechanical Elephant, a trusty Wetherspoon pub next door to the amusements.

If you’re visiting with kids, there’s also the Promenade Brewers Fayre just outside of Margate train station.

And, if it’s still open by the time you get there, you can kick off your shoes and get a drink from the Sea Shed, a beach bar offering takeaway beers, ciders, cocktails and snacks for visitors to enjoy on the sand.

Is there food inside the venue?

There will be multiple bars inside the venue selling a range of beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks.

Like in previous years, there will also be a number of street food vendors, including Rad Burger, Sea Shanty Fish and Chips and Birdy Mac’s.

If you have VIP tickets, you will also have access to the exclusive bar located on the elevated viewing platform and food from T’s Tacos.

What time do the events start and end?

The opening and closing times differ, depending on the event.

However, for most concerts, the entry time is either 5pm or 7pm and the concerts end between 10pm and 11pm.

Also, for almost all of this year’s gigs, the latest entry time is 9pm and there’s no reentry once you’re inside.