There were smiles all round and a warm welcome for The Hoppings on Friday as the travelling fair made its long-awaited return to Newcastle for the first time since the pandemic.
After days of mounting excitement as the rides, sideshows and other attractions took shape on the Town Moor, families proved keen to make the most of its opening day - and what turned out to be some decent summer weather. Some might have briefly sensed a drop of rain in the air but this was fleeting and there was nothing to spoil the welcome-back atmosphere.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle Coun Karen Robinson arrived early afternoon for the official launch, and in her speech she said. "It's so fantastic that The Hoppings has returned for the first time since 2019 and I'm delighted to be here today to officially open the 2022 Hoppings, now in its 140th year." She added that the event is part of our local heritage and a tradition which changes little in our fast-moving world. "It just gets bigger and better," she said.
Read more: The Hoppings new parking system
And those who plan a visit over The Hoppings ' nine-day run will spot that all the traditional favourites - such as the carousel, waltzers and dodgems - are present and correct, alongside plenty high-octane aerial rides including Air, Exciter and the Mach 5. And there are new additions too.
There's a new car parking system which - introduced by Crow Events, the fairground operator which has taken over management of the fair - offers online booking as a cheaper alternative to paying on the day. And a big difference is the Feast Street food village which includes a first ever bar. This new area, in the middle of the fairground site, is next to the Big Wheel which was among the main attraction proving a big draw for visitors on Friday.
Offfering gourmet street food options, including local favourites Hatch 76 and Acropolis, the village is in addition to the wide range of outlets serving food and drinks across the site. There's a covered seating area for customers and the adjacent bar - which had door staff at its entry point - was already attracting interest with its menu of beers and lagers, treats such as sangria and gluhwein plus hot drinks.
The bar will be operating a Challenge 25 policy so photo ID may be required. With continuing dry weather currently predicted into next week, The Hoppings is set to prove a hit with regulars who have missed all the colour, entertainment and buzz it brings to the city. Ryan Crow, of Crow Events, said: “There is so much for everyone to enjoy this time round and we are very proud to have some of Europe’s top attractions to make it a year to remember.”
The Hoppings is here until June 25 and will be open from 12noon until 10pm daily. Car parks will open 30 minutes before the fair starts. For information about how to get there see here.
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