Newcastle Hoppings Fair postponed by bad weather
- Published
The Hoppings attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Newcastle's Town Moor
The opening of an annual travelling fair in Newcastle, one of the largest in Europe, has been postponed due to bad weather.
Organisers of the Hoppings, on the Town Moor, said heavy rain and thick mud had made it difficult for the showmen to set up stalls and rides.
There were also concerns about safety risks to members of the public.
It was due to be officially opened by the Lord Mayor on Friday, but this will not happen until conditions improve.
A statement issued on behalf of Newcastle City Council, the Freemen and the Showmen's Guild, said: "Due to unprecedented rainfall, the official opening of the Town Moor Fair tomorrow has been postponed.
"We will assess the weather conditions on a daily basis and make a decision as to when the fair can open based on the ground conditions and weather forecast."
It added: "Our intention is to ensure that the Town Moor Fair is a safe and enjoyable experience, but the continued rainfall is making this difficult to achieve."