3:26PM, Sun Jun 24, 2012

The Hoppings In Newcastle Has Beaten The Rain And Is Open

By Hugh Macknight Location: Newcastle

The Hoppings in Newcastle has conquered the bad weather and is open.

The event was due to begin on Friday but was cancelled after a deluge of rain turned the city's Town Moor into a mudbath.

Massive earthmovers have moved in to prepare the site for visitors.

The Freemen of Newcastle, Newcastle City Council and the Showmen have worked tirelessly since Thursday afternoon to make improvements to the site, a city council spokesman said.

David Wilson, Vice Chairman of the Freemen of Newcastle explained: "We have been carrying out regular full site inspections to assess the gravity of the situation.

"We brought in massive machines to even out the surface.

"We have also brought in large quantities of bark chippings and straw to soak up some of the water as well as drafting in two submersible pumps to collect water which can then be moved off site.

"Despite the extra investment we have made in drainage for the Town Moor this year, the weather managed to defeat us for a short while, but after a fantastic effort from all on the site we are back and The Hoppings will now be opening on Sunday 24 June.

"Safety and the enjoyment of the public were our most important priorities and we feel we are now able to open the fair meeting both of those concerns. We are very grateful for the fantastic way that the media has enabled us to keep the public informed of the status of the event on a frequent basis.

"The showmen are keen to open and the public cannot wait to come to The Hoppings, the feedback and support we have had from the public has been amazing."

It is only the second time in 130 years The Hoppings, which is Europe's biggest travelling funfair, has been moved due to adverse weather conditions.

Organisers said to bring your wellies.