Bright lights always attract people. As does speed and variety – all provided by electricity.
Around the turn of the 20th century electricity was introduced to the fair. The bright displays with their powerful electric lights were great attractions in themselves. Many people in rural areas had their first experience of the magic of electricity on the fairground. Circa 1925, electricity was used on a large scale to power and illuminate the fairground rides. From that time onwards horses and steam engines gradually disappeared. Electricity would result in important changes in the operation, speed and variety of the rides and attractions. In the 1920s electricity-powered dodgems and fast rides with futuristic designs appeared.
Stanley Thurston’s Dodgem Ride at Cambridge Meadow in 1960. The ride has been in the Noyce’s family for over a century.
William Percival’s Crazy Wave Miami Ride in 2001. It was built by Nottingham UK, a British manufacturer.
Elliot Hall’s Top Buzz 2 in 2002. This is a Topscan, built by Mondial in Italy.
Almost a scene from a computer-game. The Bomber, the Equinox and the Top Buzz at Hull Pleasure Fair in 2002.
James Noyce’s Savage’s Galloping Horses at Stourpaine Fair in the 1970s.
Percy Cole & Sons’ Savage’s of King’s Lynn Switchback (June 20th 1964).
Harry Wigfield’s Royal Corone Speedway (photographed 1975).
Codona’s Hell Raiser.
Sort of modern Russian Wheel.