York, 23rd November - 5th January 2014

2013 N.East & Yorks Fairs Review (Rides)

A review of the 2013 funfair season around the North East & Yorkshire

FEBRUARY 2013

First fair of my season saw a trip down the A19/A1 to Castleford which was hosting 2 funfairs during the 1/2 term school holidays. Pictured Garry Evans Tango Afterburner outside Xscape

George Rowland Tucker's Sizzler Twist open at Castlefields Car Park, Castleford

The same day I also took in International Funfairs presenation on Elland Road Car Parks in Leeds. Pictured Billy Williams' Star Flyer

Jamie Clark opens with his Freak Out for the first time at Terry Atha's funfair at Cardigan Fields Leisure Complex, Leeds

My first fair fix of 2013 in the North East took me to the outskirts of Bishop Auckland where J.Murphy & Son were open on a new site next to Sainbury's & KFC. Pictured Michael Houghton's Top Star Superstar

J.Murphy & Son could be found next on Teesside at Thornaby Sports & Leisure Club. Pictured William H Clark & Son's Twister

 

 

 

Easter is soon upon us R.Cooper makes his first outing of the season at Hartlepool Marina. J.Murphy is also open here where J.Wheatley's Speed Buzz (Pictured) & W.H. Clark's Kick Down make rare Teesside appearances.

A.S. Crow & Sons open in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park on a new site for the Easter Holidays - their first of many appearances in the park in 2013. Pictured A.S. Crow & Sons latest purchase - Crooked Cottage Fun House

Jamie Clark brings all four of his adult attractions to Durham's Sands for Easter. Pictured the lessee's Moondancer Miami

A new venture for M&C Funfairs see them open on Benton Retail Park Car Park, Possibly Stanley Reeves Jnr's only North East fun fair in 2013 with Atmos Fear?

Easter saw Tyneside's Largest funfair of the season with Keith Turner bringing Spanish City back to Whitley Bay's Links for 11 days. Pictured Martin Slater's Asteroid Round-Up

Easter saw Bradford host 2 funfairs - above W.Marshall's presentation around the footpath of Lister Park due to heavy snow when the fair pulled on. Pictured Teddy Morley's Crazy Bounce

Easter saw Marshall Waddington & Sons arrive for their first fair at Forster Square of 2013. Pictured Jonathon Walker's Ghost Train

APRIL

George Rowland Tucker made his first visit of the season to the Cricketers Arms in Seacroft where he would return for the Gala in July

A.S. Crow & Sons opened on the Recreation Ground at Eston prior to heading for Northallerton. Pictured Chance Handley's Paratrooper

MAY

 

Northallerton's May Fair saw the return of a Freak Out with Jamie Clark occupying the end position. Pictured A.S. Crow & Sons Energy Storm Waltzer

 

May Day Bank Holiday the sun shone which resulted in a busy Seaton Carew where K.Turner & Sons could be found open during the bank holiday weekend. Pictured Gilbert Chadwick Snr's Fun House

May Day Bank Holiday saw Noble's pay their first visit of the year to Seaham for one of their many £1 entry gets you £1 a ride fairs. Pictured Colin Jnr & Darren Noble's Dodgems

J.Murphy & Son presented a funfair on Middleton Road, Shildon. Pictured Michael O'Brien's Big Wheel

Just down the road from Shildon Robert Cooper presented a funfair at the huntsman public house on the outskirts of Newton Aycliffe. Pictured Gavin Stirling's Bass Activaor Waltzer

Noble's made the short journey from Seaham to Washington where on purchase of a wristband rides could once again be had for just £1. The fair was at a new location due to the football ground being unavailable. Pictured Andew Harniess' Waltzer

Another £1 fair for the North East, but this time in Ashington presented by Peter Richardson. Pictured Rodney Johnstone's Midnight Express Matterhorn

Keith Turner returns to Leam Lane, Gateshead following the first funfair there last year in many years. Pictured the lessee's Licensed To Thrill Jump & Smile

The difference a day makes! Heavy prolonged rain flooded parts of Stewart Park resulting in the fair not even getting open. Come Sunday blue sky and sunshine as A.S. Crow & Sons finally got open on their return to Middlesbrough's largest park. Pictured Craig Freeman's Ghost Train

 

 

 

Gala Day in Sherburn-In-Elmet where Terry Atha was lessee, the second of nine fairs taken in on this day. Pictured Craig Harrison's Sizzler Twister

 

Another Football Ground fun fair for International Funfairs - Barnsley FC. This was a return visit after heavy snowfall ruined any chance of decent custom earlier in the year. The fair was themed as 'Blackpool comes to Barnsley'. Pictured Stewart Robinson's Tagada

Arthur Tuby & Sons presentation in Darfield. Pictured Ryan Pearson's Select Waltzer

A chance to catch up with George Rowland Tucker at Thurnscoe, and see his new very smart looking Sizzler Twister

Next stop Mirfield where Watson's Amusements were open on the Showground - a rare site on the modern funfair a Rock-o-Plane and Big Wheel open together. Pictured Phillip Crecraft's Big Wheel

Carnival Day in Pudsey where just the fair was left open by the time I arrived. Pictured Curtis Eddy's Jungle Fun House

Marshall Waddington & Sons brought all the fun of the fair to Armley Moor where all rides were just £1.50 each to ride. Pictured Gary Walker's Flying Coaster

Last fair of a very busy day saw Albert J Evans open in Kirkstall, Leeds. Pictured the lessee's Atmosphere Creator Waltzer

Another washout, this time Keith Turner's presentation at Walker Park Festival. Pictured the lessee's Odeon Tagada

One of the steepest banks I've drove up but once you reached the top and Winlaton J.Clark's funfair could be found on Windy Fields. Pictured Thomas Morris Jnr's House of Fun

Middlesbrough's annual fair on Clairville Common sees Waddington's Waltzer make it's one and only appearance of the season open in the North East. Pictured Jon Manders' Glass House with a new look

Robert Cooper returns to Hartlepool Marina for the Whitsun Bank Holiday. Pictured Gavin Stirling's Sizzler Twister

Whitsun Bank Holiday saw J.Murphy & Son open in Richmond's Market Place. A surprise arrival this year (Pictured) Stewart Robinson's Dodgems filling in for the lessee's

 

Jameson & Evans present their first of two fairs on Harrogate's Stray which saw the return of a set of Gallopers. Pictured Elliott Cubbins' Stealth Bomber Booster

Scott Pullen returned to Roundhay Park for Leeds Holiday funfair with an impressive line-up of attractions. International Funfairs and Albert J Evans would also open here at various points of the season. Pictured Trevor Daley's Gallopers

 

 

 

My first sighting of Storey's Waltzer since it's re-build at a funfair on the outskirts of Heckmondwike. Pictured William Swift's Crazy Dance Miami

Mega Value Fun Park returned to Lupset, Wakefeld £4.99 entrance fee got you upto 3 hours of unlimited free rides. Pictured Lauren Wynn's Rage Cage Round-Up

Evan Moran's Superbowl open at Kirkheaton

James Finnie presented Seaside Comes To Peel Park with Punch & Judy Shows and a Giant Sand Pit. Pictured William Percival's Dodgems

Another funfairathon comes to a close with W.Marshall's presentation at Saltaire the last of eight fairs visited in one day. Pictured James Crecraft's Crazy Bulls

William H Clark & Son makes the short journey from Bedlington to Seghill for The Gala. Pictured the Lessee's Kick Down Afterburner

Keith Turner & Sons open at East Lea Playing Fields for Cramlington Carnival. Pictured Gilbert Chadwick Jnr's Ghost Train

JUNE

Noble's return to one of many fairs in the city of Sunderland this time on North Moor for another popular £1 fair. Pictured Colin Jnr & Darren Noble's Shock Wave Miami

 

 

In 2012 Middlesbrough's Mela was moved to the town centre due to Albert Park being unsuitable due to soft ground. The Mela returned to Centre Square in 2013 with Crow's funfair added to the entertainment on offer with rides built up on Albert Road next to the Mela site. Pictured Dane Crow's Extreme Orbiter

Noble's made their first visit of the season to Chester-le-Street's Riverside Park, what would usually be the final stop off before heading for Newcastle's Town Moor. Pictured Jonathan Hart's Voo Doo Dancer

Just down the road from Chester-le-Street Robert Cooper could be found open at Sacriston. Pictured the lessee's Remix Miami

William H Clark & Son made their first visit of the season to Crook's High Hope Street. Pictured the lessee's XL Waltzer

 

W.Crow & Son made the short journey from Middlesbrough to the Market Town of Guisborough to open on King George V Playing Fields. Pictured the lessee's King Frog Jump & Smile

Yarm Gala took place on the town's High Street. Pictured Gary Miller's Crooked Cottage

With the cancellation of the Hoppings Noble's & Turner's put on 'The North East's Largest Fun Fair' at Herrington Country Park. This was no replacement for the Hoppings but featured thrill rides such as Spinning Coaster, Log Flume, Stargate, Shake Off, Bungee and Star Flyer - rides not seen open very often at North East fairs. Pictured Charles James' Stargate and James Mellors' Cyclone Twister

Jamie Clark presented The Great Toon Fair which also took place during the period when the Hoppings would have been on at Newcastle's Nuns Moor. Making a very rare appearance out of Yorkshire was Terry Atha's Hell-Blazer Waltzer and this was the only North East fair in 2013 where Graham Sedgewick's Rock Rage (Pictured) could be found. Also pictured Albert Barker's Rodeo

M&C Funfairs presented a third north-east funfair during the time the Hoppings would have taken place at Team Valley which had stunt racing and a monster truck to keep the crowds entertained inbetween rides. Pictured Richard Smith's Paratrooper makes its first appearance in the North East

Jamie Whiting's Ghost Train makes a rare North East appearance for Stockton's annual Fire Engine & Vintage Vehicle Rally weekend at Preston Park

Horsforth Gala saw Samantha Holland's Sizzler Twist make a rare appearance in Yorkshire

Marshall Waddington & Sons returned to Middleton Park. Pictured John Walker's Rock-o-Plane

George Rowland Tucker presented the funfair at Deighton Carnival (Huddersfield). Pictured Brian Waddington's Crazy Fun House

W.Marshall's Amusements presented the first of two fairs at Wibsey (S.Robinson Sept). Pictured James Robinson's Terminator3 Matterhorn

Aswell as Wibsey a funfair presented by James Finnie on Bradford Moor could be found in the City. Pictured David Johnson's Rock n Roll Dodgems

JULY

 

Gala Day at Spennymoor in Jubilee Park. Pictured J.Crow & Sons Gallopers

Jamie Clark's funfair for Shiremoor Treat. Pictured Asa Johnson's Funfair Crazy Fun House

Noble's brought their £1 funfair to Ryhope, unfortunately for the organisers it was more beach weather for most of the duration of the fair. Pictured Henry Evans' Experience

Scott Pullen brought 'Scarborough to Hull' with Donkey Rides, Punch & Judy and a Giant Sand Pit. Pictured Tony Litliernhurnest's Superbob

The fair is in place for Durham Miners Gala 'Big Meeting'. Pictured Craig Freeman's Jungle Madness Fun House

Marshall Waddington & Sons opened on the Gala Field at Hunslet (Leeds). Pictured Max Waddington's Twister

Gala Day at Springhead Park, Rothwell. Pictured Melvyn Eddy's Dodgems

James Robinson's Hard Rock Miami open at Knottingley & Ferrybridge Carnival

Barmby Moor Feast - smallest fair I've seen at this location. Pictured Arthur North's Dodgems

A.S. Crow & Sons took their rides to the Seaside resort of Saltburn for the Duck Race. Pictured the lessee's Crazy Frog Jump & Smile

J.Murphy & Son return to Bishop Auckland with a few changes to the March fair held at the same location. Pictured Billy Freeman's Waltzer

The start of the School Summer Holidays so that can only mean one thing - Hornsea Carnival. Pictured Darren Noble's Powersurge on it's first visit

The first Ingleby Barwick Summer Carnival took place at TIBS football ground with the funfair presented by Keith Turner & Sons. Pictured Michael O'Brien's Twister

Robert Cooper returned to Hartlepool Marina for Lifeboat Fun Weekend. Pictured Gavin Stirling's  Canguro Loco Jump & Smile

W.Crow & Son opened over the road from Stockton Weekender on Dairy Car Park. Pictured Michael Wallis Jnr's Vertigo Booster

A busy weekend for fairs in the North East saw the Cleveland Show take place in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park. Pictured Jamie Clark's Autoscooter Dodgems

Sunderland Air Show brought the crowds flocking to Wearside in their hundreds of thousands. Pictured Henry Evans' Tagada

Seaham Carnival was once again held over 3 days. Pictured Billy Freeman's Rotor

AUGUST

Billed as 'Teesside's largest funfair' 2013 saw several changes to the line-up of attractions. Pictured Premier Attractions Jungle River Log Flume

All the fun of the fair returned to Redcar High Street. Pictured Craig Freeman's Crooked Cottage

New location for the modern funfair at Pickering Traction Rally. Pictured Craig Danter's Superbowl

James Finnie presented a family funfair at Menston (First of seven visited this day). Pictured Raymond Eddy's Energy Dome Waltzer

Gala weekend saw the fair return to Keighley. Pictured George Burrows' Jump&Smile

International Funfairs opened in Huddersfield's Greenhead Park. Pictured Stewart Robinson's Sizzler Twister

Also open in Huddersfield Mega Value Fun Park on Cambridge Road Car Park where £4.99 got you unlimited rides for upto 3 hours. Pictured Michael Cowie's Superstar

 

George Rowland Tucker returned to Thornhill Lees (Nr Dewsbury) for the annual Gala. Pictured Terry Storey Jnr's Waltzer

Marshall Waddington & Sons opened on Hunslet Moor with Kids ride £1 and adult rides just £1.50. Pictured Marshall Waddington Jnr's Hard Rock 2 Miami

The final fair of seven visited in one day, a new venture for International Funfairs in Millenium Square, Leeds - City Beach. Pictured Roger Tuby's Crazy Wave (Hopper) which was re-themed for the event

Terry Atha made the short journey from Pickering to the seaside town of Filey for party on the pitch. Pictured Walter Chadwick Jnr's Sudden Impact Miami

One of the busiest one day fairs in the Country - Whitby Regatta. Pictured Stanley Freeman Jnr's Tip-Top

Keith Turner & Sons presented the funfair at Ferryhill Gala. Pictured Paul Evans' Funtasia Fun House

Noble's returned to Chester-le-Street's Riverside Park for August Bank Holiday. Pictured John Holdsworth's Crazy Bulls Rodeo

'The Newcastle Fair' opened at the bottom (Exhibition Park end) of the city's town moor. Pictured M&D Taylor's Log Flume

J.Murphy & Son provided the funfair at Scorton Feast. Pictured the lessee's The Edge Miami

A new August Bank Holiday fair came to Middlesbrough's Albert Park presented by W.Crow & Son. Pictured the lessee's Cyclone Twister

Phillip Cooper Snr presented the funfair at the Great Aycliffe Show. Pictured Phillip Cooper Jnr's Crazy Cottage

August Bank Holiday saw A.S. Crow & Sons return to Middlesbrough's Stewart Park. Pictured the lessee's Twister

First of seven fairs visited in one day as the fair returned to Harrogate's Stray for it's second visit of the season. Pictured Alpine Express Matterhorn now under the ownership of Scott Holland

Albert J Evans brought his World of Fun to Soldiers Field, Roundhay Park. Pictured Joe White's Freak Out Afterburner

Potternewton Park hosted Leeds Caribbean Carnival over two days. Pictured Clayton Hackett's Acrobat

James Finnie presented an August Bank Holiday funfair in Bradford's Lister Park. Pictured John Bagnall's Mega Bounce Jump & Smile

W.Marshall's presented an August Bank Holiday funfair in Brighouse's Wellholme Park which had Characters at the fair on the 25th along with a ginat sandpit to keep the children entertained. Pictured Darran Church's Thunderdome Waltzer

The Showmens Guild Yorkshire Section presented a new August Bank Holiday fair in Huddersfield's Greenhead Park where International Funfairs had not long since been open. Pictured Jay Barwick's Crazy Wave Miami

Beverley would usually be the place where you would find G.R. Tucker's rides August Bank Holiday, but with the ground being unavailable his attractions could be found at Joseph Proctor's presentation near Pontefract Racecourse. Pictured G.R. Tucker & Billy Peel's Dodgems

August Bank Holiday saw Newcastle host it's Mela in Exhibition Park just a stone's throw away from where The Newcastle Fair had just been held. Pictured Thomas Morris Jnr's The House of Fun

Peterlee Show signals the end of the School Summer Holidays and the start of the 'back-end' part of the season. Pictured Nathan Hart's Mach 1 Booster

SEPTEMBER

Robert Cooper presented the funfair at Thornaby Show. Pictured W.Crow & Son's Exposure Miami

George Rowland Tucker made his annual visit to Driffield's Crosshill Car Park for the town's september fair. Pictured the lessee's Hell Creator Waltzer

Albert Evans returned to Hull with his 'World of Fun' in the City's East Park after opening in West Park in August. Pictured John Bagnall Jnr's Wave Swinger which had just spent the season at Bridlington's Bayside Fun Park

Keith Turner opened on Teesside for Billingham Carnival. Pictured Alfred Twilley's Crazy Circus Fun House

Possibly North Yorkshire's largest funfair spanning the length of the High Street at Stokesley. Pictured Jamie Clark's Superbowl

 

This year at Anthony Shaw's backend fair on Whitby West Cliff Coach Park all rides were just 99p on Wed, Thurs and Fri evening. Pictured Leonard Furborough's The Cage Round-Up

Another new fair for Middlesbrough saw the town host 'Middlesbrough Live' which included a funfair in Centre Square with Richmond's Waltzer making a rare outing in the North East. Pictured Alan Crow Jnr's Dodgems

OCTOBER

The East Coast's biggest funfair opened on William Street Coach Park in Scarborough. Pictured Freddie Stokes' Superbob

Start of October on Wearside can mean only one thing - Houghton Feast. Pictured Keith Turner's Rolling Thunder Waltzer

The UK's largest travelling funfair came to Hull's Walton Street. Pictured above: Shelden Hart's Over The Top, Derek Hackett's Xlerator Project X, Stanley Gamble's Extreme Orbiter, Terry Atha's Hell-Blazer Waltzer and Abie Danter Jnr's Air Star Shape

William Percival's Waltzer made possibly it's first ever appearance in the North East at Yarm Fair

All change in 2013 on the rides front at Bridlington's Hilderthorpe Coach Park. Pictured Andrew Harniess' Sea Storm

Stockton fireworks saw a crowd of over 50,000 attend this year's event. W. Crow & Son opened on the same site in August. Pictured Derek Charles Slater's Ghost Train