Witness History Dismaland: Banksy's dystopian theme park
Dec 9, 2025
Kurtis Young, a former steward at Banksy's Dismaland, shares his firsthand experiences from this unconventional theme park that took over a derelict swimming pool in Weston-super-Mare. He discusses the bizarre installations, like the fire-ravaged castle and a sunken riot police van, and how stewards were trained to act miserable for comedic effect. Kurtis also reveals the surprising demand for tickets, celebrity visits, and the profound economic boost the park provided to the local community. Reflecting on the legacy of Dismaland, he recalls the atmosphere of mystery surrounding Banksy's possible presence.
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Mistaken Movie Gig Became Dismaland Job
- Kurtis Young was hired believing he would be an extra in a film and only later learned he was a steward at Banksy's Dismaland.
- He signed an NDA and trained to act miserable, which became his daily job for the show's run.
Stewards Enacted Misery And Mischief
- Kurtis described being told smiling was a sackable offence and that stewards had to stay gloomy to fit the parody.
- He recalled kicking sandcastles, cheating at games and causing chaos to maintain the bleak atmosphere.
Art With Satirical, Thought-Provoking Layers
- Installations mixed beauty with social commentary to force visitors to reflect on issues like horsemeat and refugees.
- Kurtis emphasised the art's layered messages making people 'think about the world we live in.'
