Back in the 18th century, amusement parks were very different from how we know them today. Perhaps the best example of this was Vauxhall Gardens in London. It featured many attractions, including a gallery, theater, concert hall, and bar. It was a social place and a symbol of the nightlife of the 18th century.
Among Vauxhall Gardens’ many different forms of entertainment, the main feature was music. Of course, in a big city like London, there were many places to hear music. What made Vauxhall Gardens special was that they promoted the very latest English music. Many well-known musical pieces made their debut there. Music also helped shape the architecture. There was a stand for the orchestra in the shape of an octagon. This placed the performers on a high platform so that everyone could see and hear them.
Also of note were the masquerades, where people disguised themselves in elaborate costumes. Other entertainment options, including hot air balloon demonstrations and acrobatics, were available for those who preferred them. People could also eat there, but in those days, the concept of today’s public restaurant with formal place settings had not yet been developed. Instead, people ate a series of supper boxes in booths.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons 照片：維基共享資源提供
Vauxhall Gardens closed in 1859 and became a public park named Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in 2012. It’s not an amusement park anymore, but it’s still a great place for people to spend their leisure time.
回到西元18世紀，遊樂園與我們今日所熟知的完全不同。也許最好的例子是位於倫敦的「沃克斯廳園」。它有許多令人著迷之處，包含畫廊、劇院、音樂廳和酒吧。它是一個社交場所，也是西元18世紀夜生活的代表。
在沃克斯廳園眾多不同的娛樂形式中，最主要的特色是音樂。當然，在倫敦這樣的大城市裡，有許多可以聽音樂的場所。沃克斯廳園的特別之處在於他們會推廣最新的英國音樂。許多著名的音樂作品都是在此處首次公開發表。音樂也有助於塑造建築風格。當時有一座為了管弦樂隊建造的八邊形舞台。這讓表演者站在高台上，如此一來所有人都能看見和聽到他們的演出。
同樣值得注意的還有化裝舞會，人們穿著精心設計的服裝偽裝自己。也有其他的娛樂選項，包括熱氣球展示以及雜技表演，供喜歡它們的人享受。人們也可以在那裡用餐，但在那個年代，像現今的一般餐廳、桌上擺著正式餐具的概念尚未發展起來。相反地，人們是在攤位上享用著一系列的餐盒。
沃克斯廳園於西元1859年歇業，在西元2012年改成一般公園，並更名為沃克斯廳歡樂花園。雖然它不再是一座遊樂園，但仍是人們度過休閒時光的好去處。
Key Vocabulary
1. costume n. 服裝
People who go to this festival often dress in traditional costume.
參加這項慶典的人們通常穿著傳統服裝。
2. gallery n. 畫廊；（藝術）展覽館
The art gallery was full of people who were interested in seeing the new paintings.
這間美術館擠滿了對觀賞新畫作有興趣的人們。
3. orchestra n. 管弦樂團
I had an appreciation for music from a young age, because my father played violin in an orchestra.
我從很小的時候就開始欣賞音樂，因為我父親在管弦樂團裡拉小提琴。
4. performer n. 表演者
The street performers danced and did magic tricks for the crowd.
這些街頭表演者跳舞及表演魔術給群眾看。
5. elaborate adj. 精心製作的；複雜的；詳盡的
The elaborate dress took many hours to make, but the finished product was stunningly beautiful.
這件精心設計的洋裝花了許多時間來製作，不過成品也美得令人讚嘆。
6. option n. 選擇；選項
The bright college graduate had many job options when he entered the workplace.
當那位聰明的大學畢業生進入職場時，他有許多的工作機會。
7. concept n. 概念；想法；原則
The concept of “virtual reality” (VR) has actually been around since the 1950s.
「虛擬實境」（VR）的概念實際上從西元1950年代左右就存在了。
8. series n. 系列（單複數同形） a series of 一系列的……
The famous director was asked to direct the final episode of the popular comedy series.
那位名導受邀執導這部熱門喜劇影集的最後一集。
9. booth n.（有篷的）攤位；亭子；隔間
If you have any questions about this event, you can ask at the information booth near the entrance.
如果你對本次活動有任何疑問，可以向入口附近的服務處詢問。
MORE INFORMATION
octagon n. 八邊形
masquerade n. 化裝舞會；偽裝
acrobatics n. 雜技表演；技巧
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