Europe’s largest travelling fair, The Hoppings, is set to make its comeback to Tyneside this summer, promising family-friendly fun.
Marking its 142nd visit, The Hoppings will be hosted on the Town Moor, Newcastle, from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30, spanning ten exciting days.
With over 400 rides and attractions on offer, the organisers have also lined up a full schedule of live music and children’s club shows, highlighted by the debut of the UK’s only XXL white-knuckle ride.
The ride – the ultimate experience for thrill seekers – has a G-force pendulum and swings up to a height of 47m.
Details of all the attractions for this year’s event will be fully revealed in the next few weeks, but operator Crow Events, said the fair will “have it all,” from family favourites, such as the helter-skelter, to some of the “biggest, fastest and newest rides” in Europe.
Classic favourites such as the Magic Mouse Rollercoaster, the Ghost Train, Dodgems and Fun House will take up residence alongside white-knuckle experiences such as Tagada, Extreme, and Star Flyer.
Other top experiences include Reverse Bungee, a firm favourite for those with nerves of steel and the ability to stand being catapulted 150 feet up in the air and encounter 4.8 G force, and the chilling Ice Jet which is a turbo-charged version of a Waltzer.
Feast Street – a vast selection of gourmet food stalls accompanied by a large dining area, licensed bar and live music – is also set to return, having proved hugely popular with the estimated half a million visitors to The Hoppings last summer.
Dedicated Kids’ Club will keep younger visitors fully entertained with magic shows and appearances from some of their favourite characters.
Ryan Crow, of Crow Events, said that this year the emphasis will once again be on providing a great day out for the entire family – with plans to keep the fair open until 9pm on the final night.
“The Hoppings is a North East institution,” he said. “For many, our arrival on the Town Moor really is a signal that the summer holidays are just around the corner and everyone has their own, special memories of Hoppings from years gone by.
“Over the next few weeks we’ll be announcing some spectacular and hair raising rides and attractions, new for this year,” he said, “but the Hoppings will, as always, have far more besides.
“So, whether you want to try out a new, hair-raising ride, have a go at hook a duck or simply enjoy traditional carousels there is something for everyone.
“And the return of last year’s hugely successful Feast Street and a programme of fantastic live music, means everyone really can enjoy a full day out.”