We all know how fun it is to experience the various rides and amusements at the funfair, but how much do you know about the history of those fairground spectacles we all know and love? In this article we're going to look at some stories and facts about funfair rides and their history that might just surprise you, so strap in and let's get started!
The Victorians were the first to catch the funfair bug
If you've seen what the authentic vintage funfair rides we stock at We Are Tricycle look like, then it won't surprise you to learn that it was the Victorians way back in the nineteenth century who were the first to really fall in love with fairgrounds, and who can blame them? Just like us today they couldn't get enough of having fun with their friends and families, and as people of that era had more leisure time and disposable income, the funfair became a great place to spend a day. Read about the history of the funfair here!
Back then (and much like even today), an evening at the fairground wasn't complete without a go on the carousels, and these famous galloping horses are one of the earliest examples of a fairground ride that are still in operation. While the merry-go-rounds may have got larger and incorporated other forms of transport such as cars and planes rather than the traditional horses, the basic mechanics of the ride are the same and would still be recognisable to a visitor from the 1860s! They're a great way to children and adults alike to have fun, and at We Are Tricycle we have some absolutely beautiful examples, including vintage carousels that date back decades. Find out more about the history of the carousel!
Another funfair staple that dates right back to the nineteenth century is the Ferris wheel. These extremely large and fun rides were named after their creator, George Washington Gale Ferris Jnr. The first of Ferris's wheels appeared in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and it was an instant hit which was quickly replicated across the world. Indeed, it would be the USA where many of the rides and innovations of the funfair that we now know, and love would originate as they exploded in popularity through-out the course of the twentieth century. Read more about the history of Ferris wheels!
Indeed, it would be in the US where theme parks would first become a real hit and a destination for families. While there had been places resembling amusement parks in Europe dating back to the 16th century, the first example that we'd recognise as a modern theme park was located in Coney Island and opened in 1895. But here in the UK we weren't far behind, and our very own Blackpool Pleasure Beach was established only a year later in 1896. Even today every year thousands of pleasure-seekers flock there to try out Big Dipper, Avalance and The Big One. Have you been yourself? Find out more about the history of the theme park.
How old do you think rollercoasters are?
A fairground classic that always draws a crowd is, of course, the roller coaster. Just like the other rides we've already learned about they also have their roots dating back to hundreds of years ago. However, believe it or not, these behemoths of the fairground world took quite a while to catch on. There were even a few decades during the 19th century where rollercoasters disappeared completely, and it wasn't until the leisure boom of the 20th century that they really took off. This was an era of rapid innovation, which the rollercoasters being larger, faster and more thrilling at a lightning pace. The history of the rollercoaster has been difficult, but today they're possibly the most famous of all fairground attractions, with loyal fans travelling the world to try them all out for themselves.
For a ride that did originate here in the UK, look no further than the Waltzers. The first ever Waltzer (or Whirligig, as it was called then) was constructed back in 1920 by a Cheshire-based man called Dean Jeffries. To put it mildly, health and safety was not taken as seriously as it is today, and the very earliest examples are most definitely not still in operation. However, the basic idea was a real hit and today fun-seekers young and old still love the spinning fun that the Waltzer provides. Read more about the history of the Waltzers!
Perhaps one of the scariest rides, the Booster is only for the bravest fairground fans. This white-knuckle ride fires you up to forty feet into the sky, before plunging you back down to earth before you know it. If you can work up the courage to board, you're rewarded with simply amazing views of the surrounding areas, so why not hire the model we stock at We Are Tricycle for your next event?
Unbelievably, the history of the booster funfair ride goes back to when it was a method of training pilots to get them used to the sudden changes of altitude. It dates all the way back to the 1930s, meaning it's now over ninety years old. However, don't expect to be able to ride a Booster from that era today. Much like the Waltzers, it has gone through a lot of alterations to make it completely safe for the plucky participants who've worked up the nerve to give it a go. Nowadays, you'll be relieved to hear, the high octane thrill of these speedy rides can be enjoyed in complete safety.
Create an authentic funfair experience with We Are Tricycle
So, hopefully this has given you some insight into how the rides people of all ages still love today can trace their origins to over a hundred years ago. At We Are Tricycle we have one of the most complete ranges of authentic vintage fairground and funfair rides available in the country, and our team takes great care to keep them well-maintained and in perfect working order. We have numerous examples of all the rides we've mentioned in this article, and more besides. We also have funfair games and stalls such as the coconut shy, hook-a-duck and more. With our help you and your loved ones will be able to party just like your great-great-great grandparents for years to come!
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