‘A funfair on this scale hasn’t been seen in York for decades’ – Something big is coming our way

One of the largest vintage funfairs seen in the north of England for many years is nearly complete at York Racecourse!

Horses are finally returning to the racecourse, including the Carousel kind.

The vintage funfair will be part of the York Spring Fair & Food Festival, which will take place at the Clocktower Enclosure from Friday 28 May to Sunday 6 June.

The funfair will comprise of a unique collection of restored vintage rides from the golden era of fairgrounds.

Take a ride on the 1936 Speedway, or the rare Brooklands Dodgems from 1937, or for the more thrill-seeking of you out there a 1961 Twister will get the adrenaline pumping.

There will also be four rides specifically for children including the oldest ride Hush Hush the Monorail train which dates from 1933.

And don’t worry – for those who don’t like rides at all there will be five game stalls of funfair favourites to get some competitive fun going!

Co-producer James Cundall, CEO of Jamboree Entertainment said: “After months of inactivity it feels great to have started our 12-day build of the funfair and food stalls.

A vintage funfair on this scale hasn’t been seen in York for decades. We have something for all ages, with super-fast rides for the thrill-seekers, and cute rides for younger children, and of course everyone can have a go at the game stalls and take home a prize.”

Alongside the funfair, more than 30 artisan food, drink and trade stalls from Yorkshire and beyond have confirmed their pitch at the festival.

Food and drink producers from around the region will showcase multi award-winning cheeses, preserves and gins, artisan brownies and marshmallows, lots of delicious takeaway food and much more.

York Spring Fair & Food Festival is a joint venture by two York-based, family-owned companies – Coopers Marquees and Jamboree Entertainment.

The event will conform to all prevailing government guidelines regarding Covid-19.

The York Spring Fair & Food Festival will be open daily from 10.00am until 6.00pm.

An admission fee of £3 for adults will be charged, with children aged 12 and under free. This excludes rides and game stalls, which cost £3 per person.

£1 of the admission fee will be donated to Ryedale Special Families, a local charity which supports families with disabled children and young people, for their New Building Fund.

Tickets are on sale now, please visit the York Spring Fair & Food Festival website to book.

Booking in advance is recommended as numbers will be restricted due to Covid regulations. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, subject to availability.