What is the History of the Hoppings?
One of the biggest dates for funfair hire in Newcastle or Tyne and Wear is the Hoppings. It's one of the largest traveling funfairs in Europe and has been a staple event in the North of England since way back in the aeons of time. The current incarnation, which takes place on the last week of June, dates back to an 1882 temperance fair, but even this fair continued in a local tradition that dates back until at least 1218!
Fairground legend has it that an elderly woman was thrown off the moors by locals, so she cursed the ground the Hoppings was held on, condemning it to rain during the fair forevermore. Fortunately her curse does not seem to be 100% accurate!
Taking place in in Newcastle upon Tyne, the fair is held annually on the Town Moor and attracts thousands of visitors every time. It is a vibrant and lively event that has become a tradition for many families, who return year after year to experience the excitement and thrills of the funfair.
Funfair at The Hoppings
One of the defining features of The Hoppings is its vast selection of funfair rides, fairground side stalls, and family friendly attractions. From classic fairground rides like the Ferris wheel and dodgems, to the latest and greatest in thrill rides, there is something for everyone at The Hoppings. Funfair entertainment has been a staple of the event since its inception, and each year the fair attracts some of the best and most exciting funfair ride operators in the country.
The Hoppings has a rich history; previous incarnations of events on Town Moor include The Lammas Fair, The Cow Hill Fair and Race Week, which was an annual horse-racing period. When the horse races moved over to Gosforth Park Racecourse, people in the Temperance Movement seized the opportunity to provide families with some alcohol-free fun in the Town Moor instead.
Over the years, the event has evolved to become one of the largest and most popular funfair events in Europe, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. The fair has become a symbol of Newcastle's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Why is The Hoppings called The Hoppings?
The etymology of The Hoppings is actually quite contested! It's thought that it might come from the word 'hoppen', which was a middle English word that means dance, jump or leap, which would reflect the merriment that people enjoyed at The Hoppings in the past.
Some have a theory that people who worked at the fair were 'hopping' from the fleas in their sack-cloths, however this might be an example of 'false-etymology,' as early photographs of the travelling funfair workers show them to be well-dressed and smart-looking.
The Modern Hoppings
Despite its long history, The Hoppings has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and desires of its visitors. Today, the Tyneside funfair is a vibrant and exciting event that offers something for everyone, from families with young children to thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush. With its wide selection of funfair rides and attractions, and its lively and festive atmosphere, The Hoppings is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience the magic of the funfair.
You'll see all your favourite funfair and fairground rides at The Hoppings. In 1951, the Rotor ride was introduced to the event, and in 1958 it saw its first Hook a Duck.
In recent years, The Hoppings has become increasingly popular, and can see almost half a million people visit every year.
Check out the video below to see The Hoppings in 2022, and please contact We Are Tricycle if you ever need any information about the travelling funfair. You can also read more about the history of the funfair!