Excitement is building, final preparations in place and the sun is out - in readiness for the first day of The Hoppings.
What could go wrong? Other than a sudden thunderstorm to spoil this welcome sunshine - which quite frankly wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibilities given the weather's past track record for the June fair - families are in for 10 non-stop days of entertainment.
The stage is being set on the Town Moor for Friday's launch of The Hoppings - the 141st - with its huge programme of rides, live music, sideshows, food and drink. From June 16-25, families will have plenty to choose from among the high-octane thrills of the likes of Rocket Ride - which will be making its first appearance at the Newcastle fair - and traditional attractions ranging from the horse carousel to hook-a-duck.
Read more: How to save up to £25 at The Hoppings
Top consideration for most people, given we're in cash-strapped times, will be, of course, the cost. Families will be keen to know how much the rides will be and, for those with cars, the additional price for parking. Food and drink prices will be available nearer the opening day but Crow Events, which now manages The Hoppings, has already revealed parking charges and the price range for rides.
The fairground operator, which took over the running of the event and hosted its first Hoppings last year, introduced a new car parking system for 2021 and this will be back in operation. And it says it is keeping the cost of this the same as last year, including the option to pre-book a parking space which will be £1 cheaper than paying on the day.
As a reminder, the prices for the biggest rides in 2019 - the last time that The Hoppings took place before last year's post-pandemic return - were £5 for the Mach5 ride while the likes of Air; Log Flume; Atmosfear and Wild Mouse were £3.50; the Waltzer and Dodgems were £3 and smaller children's rides ranged in price from £1.50-£3. Parking was £4. So, as shown below, while the lower price rides have risen, not much has changed.
Prices for The Hoppings this June 16-25
Rides - The Hoppings website says that rides will be priced individually and they will range in price from £2.50 to £5. So expect to pay the lower price for the likes of young children's rides, the teacups and chairs, and the top price for big rides Mach 5 Bomber and Air. There is no entry fee to the fair.
Parking - once again there is an opportunity - and an incentive - to pre-book parking as this will save £1. The 20% discount on online advance bookings comes with a chance to win one of 12 VIP family tickets.
On-site car parking will cost £4 if pre-booked online or there's an increased cost of £5 if paid for on the day. To book online, the car registration has to be entered and spaces are available to choose from June 16-25: see here.
Bookings must be made the day before the visit at the latest because same-day booking is not available and the parking area will be at the Grandstand Road entrance to the site. The postcode to note for the sat nav is NE2 3NH and the car park will be signposted upon the approach.
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