The Hidden Glasgow Forums

Found this site:

http://scotlandsfunlands.smugmug.com/Fa ... &k=bTWWvTZ

check out http://dialectograms.co.uk/category/the ... s-quarter/

Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uuOrZPK ... ture=share

many showmen are still out on the road catching the back end run as they call it.many bonfires organised by local councils now feature fairgrounds which is where most will have been this week some with two or three bonfires to attend in a matter of days meaning having to pull down straight after one then drive to the next and set everything back up again sometimes with little or no sleep.others deciding that their season has finished before the back end run arrives opting to seek employment in other areas during the winter months to make sure the bills still get paid.some waiting in the wings for when the christmas carnival at glasgows SECC arrives.once upon a time showmen from all over europe used to attend this landmark event nowadays however its more common for scottish showmen to be rubbing shoulders with their english and welsh counterparts presenting rides and supporting attractions inside the SECC itself.the SECC started hosting the christmas funfair after the demise of the previous showcase in the kelvin hall.height restrictions apply inside the SECC itself meaning that some ofthe taller attracions that currently travel british fairs are unable to attend as they simply wouldnt fit inside the exhibition center.showmen and their famillies deserve more credit than they recieve for the hard work they put into their way of life.

There has been a few tall rides built up outside the SECC.
Still a couple of fairs left to do in cumbria.

yes malcolm but this proved unsucessful which is why the outdoor rides at the SECC stopped

out of interest do the rides operate off the secc shore supply electricity as i know the centre has 3phase 32 amp and 16 amp connections throughout. Must be nice in a way as no getting drookit while setting up and dismantling

respect to all the showmen (and women) as it must be a tough life on the road

yes attractions at the SECC run on mains electricity

as for getting soaked it comes with the job.the quicker everythings packed up the quicker you get dried off

a typical scene in winter captured by myself a month ago

the waltzers almost ready for opening

a typical showmans living accomodation arriving at a fair

getting ready for the build up

well its winter time and most showmen and their famillies are now in the yard some open at the SECC and others away on holiday for a few weeks before starting regular employment til starting out time.starting out times vary with some scottish showmen waiting for valentines fairs to come round.some head off to leeds others open in glasgow and some head off to team valley in newcastle before returning back in time to catch Kirkcaldy links market.lots of the bigger fairs have now downsized but many still remain.some showmen are currently in warehouses dotted around glasgow carrying out modifications to their attractions for example making things a little easier for themselves cutting down on the time it takes to pull down their attractions.

a gaff lad setting up a ride