Families enjoying The Hoppings 2026, on the Town Moor in Newcastle(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

45 photos of The Hoppings opening day as massive event returns to Town Moor

by · ChronicleLive

Take a look at 45 photos of opening day of The Hoppings, with the massive event returning to the Town Moor today. It was a sunny day in Newcastle today as the funfair returned to the region, to begin its highly-anticipated 10 day run.

It is the 144th year that Europe's largest travelling fair has come to the region, and there is one new addition that is the talk of the town, the massive Elevate85. It stands at 85 metres and cost £3million, with Hoppings operator Crow Events saying it's the tallest travelling ride in the world.

Among the other rides are traditional favourites like the carousel, as well as dodgems and waltzers, joined by the high octane thrill rides like Air, Exciter and Atmosfere. Earlier today, the event was officially opened by the Mayor of Newcastle, councillor Henry Gallagher, with all involved spreading their hopes that the weather will stay dry.

Then, the rides were underway, with Elevate85, which costs £7, proving especially popular with those looking for a thrill. Also inside the fair, there is a kids club, a food court with a bar, and live music, which will be playing each evening across the 10 days of the fair.

The Hoppings will be open daily from 1pm at weekends, and 2pm mid-week, until 11pm until the final day, June 28, when it will close at 7pm. Continue below to see a series of photographs from the fair's opening day, and make sure to keep up with all of ChronicleLive's Hoppings content through the week.

ChronicleLive has created a dedicated WhatsApp community for What’s On news and updates. You can join this WhatsApp community here. It will keep you up to date with things to do around the North East and breaking gig announcements, sent directly to your phone.

The Hoppings is back in Newcastle(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings is back in Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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There's a height restriction for Elevate85(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings is back in Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Stalls at The Hoppings(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Stalls at The Hoppings(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Stalls at The Hoppings(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
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The Hoppings returns to Newcastle(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
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