The Hoppings, Europe's largest travelling fair, made a sunny start on Friday as crowds gathered for the opening day, featuring the debut of its much-anticipated new ride. The 144th Newcastle event has raised the stakes with a £3 million addition called Elevate85.
Elevate85: The World's Tallest Travelling Ride
Standing 85 metres high, Elevate85 is the tallest travelling ride in the world, according to operator Crow Events. It dominates the Town Moor skyline. However, the site is 30% smaller than usual, with the north end closed due to essential drainage works. Once completed, the work will 'future-proof' the area for a full-scale fair in future years.
Fair Highlights and Attractions
Ryan Crow, who welcomed Lord Mayor of Newcastle Councillor Henry Gallagher for the traditional bell-ringing ceremony to mark the official launch on Friday afternoon, assured fairgoers that 90% of rides are still available, with the same wide range but less duplication. Traditional favourites like the carousel, dodgems, and waltzers are present, with the carousel relocated to the opposite end of the smaller site. High-flier options for adrenaline lovers include Air, Exciter, Atmosfere, and Elevate85.
During speeches, the Mayor thanked Crow Events and the Freeman for bringing a 'fantastic event' each year, joking about hoping for good weather and Newcastle's typical 'all four seasons in one hour'. Elevate85 soon swung into action, with willing onlookers stepping forward for a chance to enjoy incredible views while being lifted 85 metres up on the star-flyer-type ride, costing £7 per go.
First Day Atmosphere
The first day remained warm and sunny with a slight breeze as early visitors explored the fair, which boasts over 400 attractions including sideshows and activities. In recent years, Crow Events has introduced a kids' club, a food court with a bar, and live music playing each evening throughout the 10-day run.
Food and Entertainment
This year, there is an American country music twist to the menu in the Feast Street food arena and the Live Lounge music programme. Numerous other food stalls are dotted around the site, including one that drew a crowd even before opening time. TikTok stars SpudBros, known for their jacket potatoes, have already attracted huge queues at their North Tyneside outlet. From 1pm on Friday, brothers Jacob and Harley Nelson saw a roaring trade and expect to remain busy throughout the event. 'Geordies are unbelievable – among my favourite people,' said Nelson.
The Hoppings will be open daily from 1pm on weekends and 2pm mid-week, until 11pm, with the final day on June 28 closing at 7pm.
