Banksy's Dismaland puts a macabre spin on theme parks

They're billing it as “The U.K.’s most disappointing new visitor attraction”, but that certainly won't be the case if you're a Banksy fan.

The guerrilla art star, along with a small army of like-minded collaborators, has just completed a pop-up version of a truly warped theme park, amusingly called Dismaland.

Formerly shrouded in secrecy, the installation should thrill those sick to death of candy-coated, family-oriented summertime entertainment, not to mention large-eared rodents and sparkle-dusted princesses.

Banksy's "bemusement park", set inside a derelict seaside swimming resort in Weston-super-Mare, is said to include a decrepit-looking castle (think Cinderella meets Edward Scissorhands, by way of apocalyptic downtown Detroit), a "Punch and Julie" show, a Northern Ireland-themed water feature, and a giant, multicoloured pinwheel tangled in plastic.

There are a few rides, if you dare, along with completely impossible-to-master fair games, interactive artworks, and various unexpected spectacles. Who doesn't love the idea of Grim Reaper bumper cars and an old-fashioned fire pit for book burning? 

We love that the venue is supposedly staffed by surly standoffish jerks. Check out the security screening before you get in. Remind you a bit of a scene from said artist's Exit Through the Gift Shop?

Described as "a festival of art, amusements and entry-level anarchism", it's open every day from Saturday (August 22) to September 27, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with admission £3, "free for the under 5’s".

In other words, you're never too young to be exposed to Banksy's bitterly hilarious world. Then again, there is this warning: "extensive use of strobe lighting, imagery unsuitable for small children and swearing". And the artist's description of the installation as a "family theme park unsuitable for children".

There are also dance parties, DJs, bands, and live events every Friday; oh to score a plane fare and tickets to the Pussy Riot-Massive Attack show September 25. Then again, if we just cancel those plane tickets to Southern California.....