ONE of Europe's largest travelling funfairs is opening to the public tomorrow.

Thousands of people are expected to visit the Hoppings on Newcastle's Town Moor, which has a mix of white knuckle rides and traditional stalls.

It dates from 1882 and was introduced as a Temperance Festival to provide a sober alternative to the drinking and gambling at Newcastle Races.

Some of the legendary attractions include the Razzle Dazzle, the Octopus, the American Eggs, the Wall of Death, the Dive Bomber, Shaw's Moonrockets, Shufflebottom's Wild West Show and the Waltzer.

The rotor, where riders defy gravity by sticking to the inside of a spinning drum, is the only ride where people pay to watch and take part and is still a popular attraction today.

There are also classics such as the hook-a-duck, coconut shies and shooting galleries, and the Helter Skelter.

The more adventurous may try fearsome rides such as Vertigo, Chaos and Speed - fast-moving, high-dropping, stomach-churning experiences with bright flashing lights and loud music.

Newcastle's Lord Mayor Councillor Diane Packham will preside at the Town Moor opening ceremony at 1.30pm.