Wakes Fair brings 130ft. Vertigo ride to Burnley

Burnley Wakes Fun Fair has brought two very tall new attractions to town.
Waltzers at Burnley Wakes Fair in previous years. Photo Ben ParsonsWaltzers at Burnley Wakes Fair in previous years. Photo Ben Parsons
Waltzers at Burnley Wakes Fair in previous years. Photo Ben Parsons

Sky High is the first Star Flyer type ride ever to appear in the town, featuring a circle of 16 twin seats suspended by chains that twirl around a 100 feet-tall tower. As riders ascend towards the top of the tower they can enjoy spectacular views of Towneley and Turf Moor and over the town’s surrounding hills.

The fair opened on Wednesday and continues until Monday at Fulledge Recreation Ground.

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It is open weekdays from 5 to 9pm, Saturday from 1pm to 10pm and Sunday from 1pm to 8pm.

Admission is free at all times and with more than 30 rides and attractions the organisers say it is the largest summer fun fair in Lancashire.

Also new for 2015 is Vertigo, which is even taller at 130ft. However, this awesome adrenaline ride, which features a four-seater looping gondola on each end of a giant spinning propeller, is faster than Sky High so passengers just enjoy the exhilarating experience as they fly through the sky.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve secured these two spectacular attractions for this year’s fair,” said Billy Hill on behalf of organisers The Showmen’s Guild. “My kids tell me they are both hugely exciting to ride, however I’ve yet to pluck up the courage.

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“Maybe it’s time I ‘manned up’ and gave them a try in Burnley so I can enjoy the fabulous views.”

The Showmen’s Guild has also brought back two thrill rides from a few years ago, namely the Freak Out and Millennium, both of which also serve up fun at high altitude.

Meanwhile the new-look walk-though Ice Palace experience offers a disorientating light show as visitors pass through its labyrinth of twisting corridors wearing special 3D glasses.

Also featured in this year’s line-up are the Ski Jump, Matterhorn, Mission to Mars, Super Bob, Orbiter, Twister and not one but two Waltzer rides. Family-friendly attractions include the Fun House, Dodgems, kiddie coaster, cups and saucers and younger children’s rides.

There will be fairground games and food stalls.

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