The Hoppings - Chavs, thrills and lots of fun! (Hoppings)

Member Name: kate2009

Product:	Hoppings
Date:	05/06/09 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great atmosphere, fun, traditional!

Disadvantages: Expensive

You can't go wrong with the Hoppings, or the Town Moor Fair as it is also known. This is the biggest fair in the UK and Europe, and it congregates once a year in late June / early July in Newcastle, on the Town Moor.

The Town Moor fair is over 100 years old and is more than just a fair ground. I have previously worked on the fair the week before it starts, helping to teach the fairground children who are taught in mobile facilities on site by Traveller teachers. For the record, Fairground people have a very different culture from 'Gypsies' - they would actually be insulted if you refrerred to them in this way.

Anyway, moving on, the Hoppings is so much fun - there are always huge rides their for the 'thrill seekers' and plenty of mild ones for the little ones. There is usually a section for horseriding as well, which little children love. And then you have the coconut shys and the fortune tellers and wierd and wonderful 'freak shows.' Lst year I got my palm read for just £3 by one of the Romany Gypsies who are often present at the top end of the fair. It is typically £10 for a full card reading.

But mostly I love the atmosphere - it's just fantastic. And yes, it is a bit 'Chavtastic' - (complete idiots with lots of bling jewellrey and tracksuits etc) but who cares?

My personal favourites are the waltzers and the rotor (where the floor disappears and you stick to the side).

The downside is that it is quite expensive - the average ride prices range from £1 - £5 a go. The most expensive ride this year is the huge bungee jump, which is a staggering £12.50 per person. There is no way that I would personally pay so much money for a 5 minute ride, although no doubt this is a thrill seeking experience. But if you go on the first night, or 'danger night' - everything is half price. Of course the flip side is that you could be risking certain death!!

A word of warning - it ALWAYS rains on at least one day at the hoppings. And even when it's sunny there is always mud everywhere. So take your wellies or old trainers!!

This year the Hoppings will be on the Town Moor for one week from 20th June - 27th June.

Summary:

Worth a visit and the kids will love it!

Summary: A once a year treat not to be missed!