Funfair News and Features
Photos from around Showland with World’s Fair’s Chatterbox – originally published in World’s Fair newspaper March 2024 issue. You can buy a copy of the print edition here. Grayson Croydon with Elsie and Betsy Allen in the sunshine at Northampton August Holiday Fair. Andrew Lewis …
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Some big hitters from across the country drew good crowds to the popular early season Escape to Fun Island event in Blackburn, Lancashire. For the third year in a row, Cubbins Leisure organised their highly popular Escape to Fun Island event in Blackburn, which opened …
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Bioscope shows were an important part of the fairground in the 1890s and early 1900s. Though long gone, fairground models – like this one from artist Barrie Ratcliffe – remind us of these popular shows. After Randall Williams presented the first Bioscope show at King’s …
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Tigers, Beavers, Hippos and Bulls all frequented the fairgrounds in the 1950s and 60s. Here, Alastair Arnott picks out a few favourites. Growing up in central Scotland in the 1950s and 60s, it seemed to me that there was a preponderance of Leyland vehicles on …
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John Thurston, Showmen’s Guild President, details progress on the Guild’s bid to be accorded UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Fairs and Showmen and the new industry partnership with the Nationwide Caterers Association. The Showmen’s Guild are using our refreshed links with the Local Government …
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On Sunday 4 February Charles (Chic) and Irene Thomas of the Scottish Section hosted an afternoon High Tea for family and friends to celebrate their …
World’s Fair speaks to Kennedy Bates of Billy Bates & Sons’ Funfair about social media, happy staff and the advantages of doing business almost exclusively in one city. As we speak to Kennedy Bates over Zoom, he is sat in Billy Bates & Sons’ office at …
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As Clacton Pier gets ready for the new season with its February Frenzy offers, the Twister has been sent for total refurbishment – but will be back soon. One of Clacton Pier’s most popular rides has been sent away for a significant makeover: Twister, which …
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Known in more recent times for the Top Star ride he travelled up and down the country, Northern Section showman Michael Houghton spent many years with various machines at Whitley Bay’s former Spanish City amusement park. Flying Coaster My first machine, when I was 22, …
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More models for enthusiasts at Ilkeston the regular FAGB show joined by a local model shop display. Well known as one of the finest street fairs in the UK, October’s Ilkeston Fair also boasted two model shows, both featuring outstanding miniature fairground models. The established …
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