Update: Following an improvement in the weather and a huge effort from the Freemen of the city, the city council and the showmen, The Hoppings will open Sunday 24 June at 1.30pm, read the latest news story for more information.
Bad weather and muddy conditions have forced the postponement of the opening of this year's Town Moor Fair.
The fair known as the Hoppings was due to be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle tomorrow lunchtime (Friday June 22) but muddy conditions have forced organisers to put back the opening until ground conditions improve.
Thick mud has made it difficult for the showmen to set up rides and stalls, and conditions are so bad that the opening has been put back in the interests of public safety.
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.
"The reason for the postponement is due to health and safety. 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.
"We will use the Newcastle City Council website, Town Moor Fair website, social media, tv, radio and newspapers to keep the community informed of when the fair can open."
Page last updated: 23 June, 2012
