Dismaland, a six-week art exhibition by Banksy, will open to the public at Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana complex on Saturday.

North Somerset Times: Dismaland - Banksy's new Tropicana show.Dismaland - Banksy's new Tropicana show. (Image: Archant)

National and local media have been speculating all week whether the renowned graffiti artist plans to showcase artwork in North Somerset, but they have failed to discover the full truth.

In the end, the news was confirmed this morning exclusively in the Times’ sister paper covering Weston.

The Times can confirm to readers that a total of 58 artists, including Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty, from 17 countries are taking part in the exhibition.

It opens on Saturday and will remain open seven days a week.

North Somerset Times: One of the featured artworks by Josh Keyes.One of the featured artworks by Josh Keyes. (Image: ©2009 Photographed by PixelPoint Artistry)

There will be two sessions a day and tickets must be purchased through www.dismaland.co.uk. The site is due to go live at some point today.

Council leader Nigel Ashton said: “It gives me enormous pleasure to be hosting this world-class art exhibition in North Somerset, as well as great relief to be able to talk about it, finally.

“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.

“I had a preview of the exhibition while it was still being assembled last week, and I have to say, it is absolutely brilliant. As well as entertaining, it’s also incredibly thought provoking.

North Somerset Times: This piece, by Maskull Laserre, will feature too.This piece, by Maskull Laserre, will feature too. (Image: Archant)

“I am hugely proud that North Somerset Council is hosting this event.

“As well as welcoming the many thousands of people who will visit over the coming weeks, from all over the world, we are also keen to use this event to profile North Somerset, the opportunities that are here, and our ambition for the area.”