Extra police patrols to be deployed at The Hoppings to keep visitors safe

Europe’s largest travelling funfair returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor on Friday, June 16 and will run until Sunday, June 25 - with around 500,000 visitors expected to attend over the course of the period.

As a result, Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and NE1 have confirmed tht extra officers will be on patrol to provide reassurance to the public, prevent and deter anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone can enjoy the funfair safely.

The multi-agency team will be deployed each night from 5pm to 11pm at The Hoppings, as well as other areas of the city including Haymarket, Exhibition Park and Brandling Park.

Cllr Paula Maines, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Resilient City, hopes the patrols will give members of the public some peace of mind over attending the funfair.

She said: “The Hoppings is a well-loved Newcastle tradition that families and visitors have enjoyed for generations.

“With huge crowds expected over the 10 days, it is incredibly important we make sure everyone can enjoy the fantastic attractions, rides and stalls safely.

“We have put additional patrols in place to support the work we will be doing to provide reassurance to the public and to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour promptly.

“Newcastle is a safe city thanks to the efforts of the Safe Newcastle partnership and we hope everyone who visits The Hoppings has a brilliant time.”

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Rob Bosson, detective chief inspector at Northumbria Police, added: “The Hoppings promises to be yet another fantastic occasion and we hope everyone visiting enjoys themselves.

“We have worked closely with our Safe Newcastle partners in the build-up to the event and will have a proportionate policing presence in place for the duration of the fair.

“If you do have any concerns or queries while attending, please approach one of our officers who will be able to assist.”

To report any incidents of anti-social behaviour, you can call police on 101 or visit the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website.