The Hoppings fairground on Newcastle's Town Moor has been dismantled after a ten-day event marked by scorching heatwave temperatures. The annual funfair, which closed at 7pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026, saw crews working through Monday to pack up rides, attractions, and stalls.
Record-Breaking Ride and Heatwave
This year's Hoppings featured the gravity-defying Elevate 85, described as the tallest travelling ride in the world. Despite the event being 30% smaller than usual due to drainage works to future-proof the venue, thousands of visitors attended. Temperatures remained well above 20 degrees Celsius throughout the week, making sun cream a necessity. The Big Wheel, offering views across Tyneside, was a particularly popular attraction.
Dismantling Operation
Pictures taken by ChronicleLive's Simon Greener show showmen and show-women using cranes to dismantle the carnival. The removals process included lifting stalls out of position and packing up the giant rides. The Hoppings is expected to return next year, with the Geordie public assured it will be less than a year until the fair returns.
