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Writer's pictureRosie Cripps

Dingles Fairground to reopen

The amazing and historic Dingles Fairground Museum is to reopen this Sunday, 10th April after a two year closure.


Forced to close in February 2020 as the pandemic took hold, a further setback occurred when the museum's landlord placed the freehold of the site on the market.


While many charitable trusts would have walked away from such difficulties, many of the museum's volunteers remained undaunted and gave up weekends to move from one site to another to get the working exhibits ready for opening.


As of 10th April, the public will be able to visit the museum once again, learning about traditional fairgrounds while experiencing first-hand how the games would have operated in its hay day.


A spokesperson from Dingles said: "We are very proud to present the National Fairground Collection of working rides, games and the largest collection of fairground art in the country. Stunning public works of art, ranging from the show fronts of Boxing Booths, Ghost Trains and Shooting Galleries to carved and gilded panels.

"Our historic rides include the largest Dodgem track to ever travel, the 1920 ‘Victory ‘Galloping Horse roundabout, the only surviving Moonrocket, the Thriller of the 30’s ,The Noah’s, Ark( or Motorcycle Speedway) four vintage children’s roundabouts , all hand crafted with no fibre glass in sight."


The arcade boasts slot machines from the 30s through to the 80s, mostly working on the modest outlay of 2p.


The ghost train was made in 1946 and the first to be decorated by the famous fairground art firm of Hall & Fowle.


The museum is located just a mile off the A30 and is open most weekends. It's undercover, on one level and car parking remains free. Pre-booking is essential.


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