Gary Gore‘s Carousel Funfairs returned to Blackpool for their annual seaside visit with a Fantastic Family Fun Fair (as promoted on the posters).
The fair opened at Whyndyke Farm over the weekends of May 14 & 15, May 21 & 22, and then from May 28 to June 5 for the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The venue, just off Preston New Road at junction 4 of the busy M55, is easily seen by the many motorists passing right by the side of the ground
Plenty of special promotions were on offer at the fair, including wristband days on May 31 and June 1, priced at £9.99 for three hours, with three separate sessions on each of the days. Another promotion was all children’s rides at £1 each with the purchase of a super saver ticket.
There was also plenty of children’s entertainment on offer including a Dino Invasion on certain days, which is proving very popular at fairs up and down the country this year.
This particular event has been very fortunate, having taken place throughout the Covid restrictions over the past two years by just managing to avoid the lockdowns. This has led to a varying line-up of rides over the period, including lots of newcomers from pre-Covid events.
This was again evident for 2022, which saw a bigger and better line up with Carousel Funfairs being joined by plenty of new and exciting attractions, many not seen at Blackpool before.
Making its 2022 debut at a British fair was the Snow Jet Matterhorn belonging to Emerson Edwards and Paul Hart, which the duo purchased at the end of last year. This exciting and colourful ride had previously been at China’s Shenyang Botanical Garden attraction for the 2017 season.
Another brilliant ride, and only at its second fair with new owner James Stokes, was the Batman spinning roller coaster. Coming straight from Knutsford Royal May Fair, the machine had been purchased from Tir Prince Fun Park in Towyn, having previously been in Sweden for 13 years.
Dale Hibbitt’s Supercar dodgems took the place of last year’s Formula 1 set from Antony Cubbins, and they were joined by Dale’s new Hollywood amusement arcade, a recent purchase from John Graham Jnr. Also new and debuting on the ground was the impressive Sea Storm Happy Sailor from Andrew Harniess, a ride that is popular everywhere it goes.
From the same family, Barron Harniess was on a first time visit here with his Little Thunder Railroad Co runaway train roller coaster and mini pirate ship. A second juvenile roller coaster came courtesy of Paul Hart, who brought along his Apple coaster.
Returning attractions included the Cliffhanger Miami, which has changed hands since the last time it was here, Carousel Funfairs (Gary Gore) having taken over ownership from Sheldon Hart. Joining it was Daley Harniess’ Deluxe waltzer, Walter Chadwick Jnr’s Twister Twist and William Bradley’s Blizzard Superbob and Crazy Jungle fun house.
In support of the larger equipment, juveniles and games came courtesy of Daley & Chantelle Harniess, who brought along their Race-o-Rama, Disney mini train and toy set. Sheldon Hart presented his bungee trampolines, spinning Bumper Carz, cups & saucers and inflatable slide, and William Bradley brought his toy train.
Also here were Ross Craddock’s hook-a-duck and Wayne Craddock’s trampolines, side joint mixed games, penalty shoot out and inflatable slide. Catering was supplied by Gary Gore along with Daley & Chantelle Harniess.
Main photo: William Bradley’s Crazy Jungle fun house at Whyndyke Farm in Blackpool
