The Hoppings, Newcastle's annual fair, concluded on Sunday evening, and the clear-up of rides, stalls, and attractions on the Town Moor is now in full swing. Drone images captured by the Chronicle on Tuesday show the site being dismantled as the moor begins its recovery.
Dry Weather Aids Recovery
The Freemen of Newcastle, who manage the Town Moor, are optimistic that the recent dry, hot weather will speed up the moor's regeneration. Nick Atkinson, vice chair of the Freemen, said: “The Freemen work really closely with the operator, Crow Events, as we have done for many years. After the event closing there is a significant amount of litter clearance that takes place. Any reparative works required are attended to immediately. Fortunately this year has been a really dry year and the dry weather requires far less reparative work, which is a bonus. But anything that needs attending to is done immediately to ensure that the Hoppings/festival site is open, clean, and available for public benefit. There will be no reseeding needed because it is dry and the grass regenerates really quickly. We experience this every year – there are millions and millions of tonnes worth of kit on the Moor during the Hoppings, but it is amazing how quickly it regenerates.”
Full Return Planned for 2027
This year, the Hoppings occupied a smaller area of the moor due to major drainage repairs following a collapsed drain, which fenced off a northern section. Mr Atkinson confirmed that the festival is expected to return to its “full size and stature” in 2027. The reduced footprint this year allowed the moor to recover more quickly, but the Freemen are eager to restore the event to its traditional scale.
