Crowds descend for last day of Hoppings
WEATHER HOLDS FOR FUNFAIR’S LAST HURRAH
Thrill-seekers lined up for a final adrenalin rush REVELLERS turned out in their droves yesterday for the final day of The Hoppings.
White-knuckle rides and traditional stalls drew the crowds to the closing day of Europe’s largest travelling funfair.
The 135-year-old event has become a Tyneside institution, with thousands flocking to Newcastle’s Town Moor over eight days to enjoy everything from hook-a-duck stalls to bungee trampolines and stomach-churning spinners.
Demi Graham and Fabio Boccardi brought kids Tilli, seven, Rocco, three, and Costa, one, to enjoy the fun.
“It’s our first year coming and it’s been absolutely amazing,” said Fabio, from Benton.
“It’s so big but there’s little bits of everything for every age, which is perfect for us.
“The kids have been on the teacups, the elephant ride, Lego helicopters and Spiderman motorbikes – the helicopters were their favourite.
“We’d definitely come back, no doubt about it.”
This year’s event kicked off on Friday, June 16, followed by the official launch day featuring a Newcastle Military Show, showcasing hi-tech equipment and displays.
And the 300-plus rides this year ranged from the popular Take Off, which returns from spending four years in Dubai, to the ever-popular waltzer and family favourites the dodgems, helter-skelter and ghost trains.
New arrivals included Exciter, an aerial heart-pumper; the nightclub-themed Ice Jet; and the high-octane Air and zip- Crowds enjoy last day of Hoppings wire ride Skyfall. Jace Jefferson, nine, was enjoying the fun of the fair for the first time, with grandma Pauline Henry, from Cheste-le-Street.
He said: “My favourite thing so far has been the hook-a-duck because I managed to hook it every time.”
Pauline added: “It’s been a really fun afternoon – we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere.”
Jaswant Singh, 40, from Heaton, had brought sons Inderpal, seven, and Keeratbal, five.
He said: “I’ve come every year since I was a kid and now I bring my own kids.
“It’s a Newcastle tradition, it just rolls around every year and we always come back.”
The Hoppings has been held in June since 1882. The last weekend of the Hoppings drew huge crowds