All The Fun Of The Fair

A fun day out with my best friend.  We went to the fair on Newcastle Town Moor know locally as 'The Hoppings.'  It's the largest funfair in Europe with over 400 attractions.  It first started in 1882 although I believe that there has been some sort of fair on the moor since medieval times.  It attracts about half a million visitors a year and stays for just over a week.  Great fun although I must admit my days of going on the rides are over.

I just loved soaking in the atmosphere and the various smells - onions, chips, etc.  

The Hoppings has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl.  My parents (mainly my mam) used to take me and my sister ever year and then it was the hi-light of my social calendar when I was a teenager.  I used to save up for weeks before so I had enough money to go on the rides.  Later on, when my son was small my husband and I used to take him. 

It's been a few years since I last visited it but I really enjoyed my day out.  For some reason it always seemed to rain when the fair was here.  Not this year.  It was a beautiful hot day with a fantastic blue sky.

My friend and I said our goodbyes and then I went for my bus and who should be on it but Dolly.  Great to see her and have a catch up.  

I have added a few extras to give you a flavour of the day.