Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s

The Lightning Skid, a long- forgotten vintage fairground ride, returns to North East England this December for the first time since the late 1960s.

A traditional flat-ride, Lightning Skid spins and swings riders in classic cars on a
rotating motorised platform controlled by foot pedals.
Lightning Skid has been commissioned by Baccanalia and Bridge Creative, co-
producers of Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town celebrations, which run from
December 4 to 7.

Thomas Wales, managing director of Baccanalia, said: “When we started planning
this year’s Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town, the team wanted to bring something
different that would excite people and help make the celebrations our biggest and
best yet.

Thanks to our partners at Carnival Funfairs, we’re delighted to bring back the thrills
and spills of vintage fairgrounds by welcoming Lightning Skid back to our region after
more than half a century away.

It was a regular sight at Shildon Scouts Field and Jubilee Park, Spennymoor. This
time, it’ll be located in Bishop Auckland marketplace alongside other Christmas
Town favourites like the Ferris Wheel, shuggy boats, ice rink and Santa’s Grotto.”
Skids, or swirls as they are sometimes called, originated in Germany in the 1920s.
They were a family favourite at British travelling fairs for the next four decades before
losing popularity when hydraulic fairground rides were exported from the USA in the
late 1960s.

This Lightning Skid was commissioned, from new, by Charles Thurston in 1947 and
built by renowned ride manufacturer Lakins.  

It was acquired by prominent British travelling show family Whyatts Amusements,
before passing to Harris' Amusements and later Carters Steam Fair. The ride was
then purchased by a private collector and placed in storage for several years.
It’s now owned and operated by Shildon-based Carnival Fun Fairs and makes its
return to the North East at Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town.

Paul Evans, managing director of Carnival Fun Fairs, said: “Lightning Skid is 18
metres in diameter and takes several days to build and set up. Historically, it’s a true
family favourite and we think visitors to Bishop Auckland Christmas Town will love it.”
The ride is included in Bishop Auckland Christmas Town’s Golden Pass, which
provides unlimited access to all ticketed attractions, and rides, at the free-to-enter
event.

Ben Tinkler, managing director of Bridge Creative and co-producer, said: “Christmas
Town is one of those events that appeals to all generations in families and is full of
tradition and nostalgia. Grandparents may remember riding a Skid in their childhood
and for many others it’ll be their first time, a truly novel experience, and a chance to
experience vintage fairground fun.”

Bishop Auckland’s town centre is again being transformed into a festive wonderland
for four days, with traders, food stalls, wandering performers, rides and attractions.
This year’s event is the fifth staging of Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town. In 2024,
32,000 visitors attended, and organisers expect the event to continue to grow in
popularity.

Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town has been funded and supported by its principal
partner Bishop Auckland Town Council, since it was established in 2021.
For more, visit: https://bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk/