Fairgrounds

Before the development of the entertaining fairgrounds we know today, fairs were trade events for all manner of exchanges, from poultry and horses, to people! These annual trade fairs were a chance for farmers, livestock breeders and labourers to sell their wares. As the British road system improved, fairs travelling from place to place began to develop.

Over time, travelling traders and entertainers began to follow the progress of trade fairs to profit from the large crowds of people requiring entertainment and sustenance after a hard days trading. This led to the great entertainment fairs of the 19th and 20th centuries. Entertainers such as fortune tellers, strongmen, variety acts, menageries and freak shows were regular attractions.

During the 19th century, fairs were revolutionised by steam power in terms of making travelling with heavy loads easier, and the improvement of rides such as the roundabout from a ‘Dobby’ which was powered manually. The pioneer of steam powered carousels was a Norfolk agricultural engineer called Frederick Savage, who was responsible for building the Steam Gallopers here at Beamish.

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In November 2009, Beamish purchased the 3-abreast steam roundabout from the Ayers family. Built by Savage in 1893, the Steam Gallopers are a fine example of Savage's work and roundabouts of the heyday of fairs. Powered by a steam engine called ‘May Queen’, and given music by the 87 key Gavioli organ, the gallopers are a wonderful piece of engineering for visitors of Beamish to enjoy.

Each horse is individually painted and has its own name, and the whole roundabout is beautifully decorated. Designed to appeal to all and to attract the public, the colours are vibrant, the lights are bright, and the music joyous.

Older fairground rides such as the Helter Skelter and shuggy boats are still popular today, alongside more modern rides such as the dodgems and the waltzer. Although most travelling beast shows have come to an end, many entertainments such as the coconut shy and Punch and Judy are still firm favourites at the fair.

Today, fairgrounds are still popular attractions at seaside resorts such as South Shields’ Ocean Pleasure Beach, or larger, permanent organisations called theme parks.