Banksy’s £20million boost for Weston-super-Mare

Initially predicting a £7m economic boost. However, Visit Somerset told the BBC they expect the figure to be more like £20million. A previous exhibition, “Banksy vs Bristol Museum” generated a large number of crowds because of Banksy’s desire to remain controversial. But throughout the Dismaland show, nearly every bed in Weston has been sold each night. Hotel owner Keith Fearn, who is chairman of the Weston Hotel & Restaurant Association said, “September sees normally a drop in figures as autumn weather approaches and children back to school”.

Thousands have come by train. In monetary terms, this equates to around £4.5m extra revenue.

Everyone has noted the irony of the anti-capitalist art show boosting business. For Banksy, though, Weston was chosen because he went here every summer until he was 17, so maybe he would feel a little less hostility to small local traders than multi-nationals. “I think it’s going to do fantastic things for Weston and Somerset”, said Turner. “It’s just like the British, really”, he said. Initial predictions had suggested that the park, which opened on August 20, would provide a £7 million ($10.6 million) boost to the local economy.

A message appeared earlier this week on the bemusement park’s official website, asking visitors to wear a mask, to prevent Banksy being caught on camera by any lurking paps. The Dismaland website says anyone who does not have their faces covered will be refused entry.

Pussy Riot, Kate Tempest, De La Soul, Leftfield and others are due to perform under the glow of “crap fireworks”.