During the opening ceremony of this autumn’s Rushden Feast, both the Mayor, Councillor Melanie Coleman, and John Scarrott Snr, representing lessees John Thurston & Son, expressed their delight that the fair was back in Spencer Park after missing last year.
Having cut the red tape across the Dodgem track and tried out the Dodgems, the mayor led the civic party on a tour of the fair, which ran from September 13 to 21.
Many commented on what a fine fair it was for this Northamptonshire town. One local man who has been attending for many years described it as the largest and finest Feast that Rushden had ever seen. With 12 large rides, a big Ghost Train and five Fun Houses, after sunset it was a spectacle of light.
A number of different attractions were in attendance and these included John Scarrott & Sons’ new Formula 1 Dodgems, Marshall and Grant Tattam’s Super Bob and James Rogers & Sons’ ever improving Matterhorn, James commented that he was satisfied with his first visit here.
The younger visitors also had a wide choice including John Woodward Snr’s excellent Bugs and Bees coaster and very authentic Wild West Runaway Train. John Jnr’s large toy track was here for a first visit and Charles Appleton’s Big Ben Giant Slide proved popular too. Over the second weekend, there was a visit from some dinosaur characters to add further entertainment.
Fine weather made for reasonable attendances over both weekends and the during cut price evening on Thursday 19th, when all rides except the Dodgems were £1.50. On our second visit on the penultimate day, the comments on the levels of business varied.
Major rides and attractions at Rushden Feast
John Scarrott & Sons’ Dodgems and Twister
Philip Scarrott & Sons’ Xzilar8 Miami and Super Star
John Henry Scarrott’s Orbiter
Harry Scarrott’s Vortex (Freak Out style swing)
Theodore J Whyatt’s Yeti (Jump & Smile)
James Rogers & Sons’ Extreme Matterhorn
Jonathan Scarrott’s High Flyer (Star Flyer)
Grant and Marshall Tattam’s Super Bob
John Woodward’s Bugs & Bees Coaster and Wild West Runaway Train
Gareth Smith’s Flash Dance Tagada and Ghost Train
John Allen Jnr’s Big Top Fun House
Richard Hart Jnr’s Heros and Villians Fun House,
Dean Ayers’ Circus Circus Fun House
Andrew Robinson’s Crazy Pyramids Fun House
Patrick Phillips’ Crazy Fun House
Brogan Owen’s House of Horrors
Main photo: Gareth Smith’s Ghost Train at Rushden Feast
