Watch as 'The Hoppings' funfair returns to Newcastle's Town Moor 'bigger and better' for the first time in three years after Covid pandemic

The Hoppings is celebrating its 140th year with a ‘bigger and better’ fair at Newcastle’s Town Moor with over 450 attractions and for the first time, will include Feast Street, a gourmet street food area and bar.

Operated by Crow Events, the funfair has rides for all the family from gentle rides for tiny tots to hair-raising white knuckle rides for the fearless.

For the brave, Hoppings has the UK's biggest Thrill Rides flying high into the sky all in one spot and includes the famous Magic Mouse coaster, the 200ft Star Flyer, and the Mach 5 Bomber.

While more than 100 magical children's attractions are also on hand to keep the young ones happy with bouncy castles, slides, tea cups, mini coasters.

The blustery weather didn’t keep thrill seekers away this afternoon (June 17) as the summer event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Karen Robinson.

Cllr Karen said: “It’s a great pleasure to be here today for the opening of one of Newcastle’s greatest annual events. Normally held every year on Newcastle’s famous Town Moor.

"It is a fantastic event and it’s so fantastic that the Hoppings has returned to Newcastle’s Town Moor for the first time since 2019 and I am delighted and proud to be here today to officially open the 2022 Hoppings, now in it’s 140th year.

"The Hoppings is a great big part of history and heritage for this city. In a world that changes so quickly these days, it’s great that the Hoppings is one tradition that doesn’t change very much, but just gets bigger and better.

"The rides may become scarier every year but a lot of the excitement and the atmosphere, as well as some of the smells, would be recognised by visitors from many years ago. I’m sure this must be the biggest travelling fair in Europe, if not the world.”

The Hoppings will be open to the public from Friday, June 17 until Saturday, June 25.