The annual fair has plenty of thrills and spills to pull in the crowds.

The Mail's MARK THOMPSON was invited to be the first to have a go on two of the biggest and best rides around.



DOZENS of rides cover the sprawling green of the Town Moor ready to put smiles on hundreds of visitors' faces.

I had been asked to come down and try out a couple of the colourful attractions myself before the grand opening at 2pm today.

And I didn't even have to be on the Headland to see my first test – the 130ft Giant Wheel.

The mammoth attraction can be seen from across the town and did not disappoint as I slowly rose up into the clouds.

The panoramic views of Hartlepool were incredible, in fact it is so high up that the views of industrial Teesside and Elwick weren't bad either.

It is the tallest portable big wheel in the country, and has travelled the length and breadth of Britain.

John Murphy, who runs the fair, said: "This is the biggest mobile wheel around and we are delighted to have it here.

"It will also be a great place to have a look across all the ships when they arrive next week."

Amazing as the Italian-made wheel was, this was not the ride to get my blood pumping.

Seeing my need for speed, organiser John Murphy unleashed The Bomber on me.

This also saw me slowly reach the heights of 130ft, but I then came back down a bit more quickly - and backwards.

I topped 60mph as I span around in a giant circle as children looked on in amazement as my face was contorted, my hair spiked up and my stomach turned.

It is sure to create one of the biggest queues over the next couple of weeks.

Mr Murphy added: "There's a bit of something for everyone here, including rides for people who really are thrill-seekers and want to be turned over a bit.

"We hope for a good turnout and a great couple of weeks."

The fair will welcome visitors all the way through to August 10, with organisers saying it will be the "biggest and best yet" as it coincides with The Tall Ships Races event, which takes place from August 7-10.

It will be open from 2pm-10pm every day but will open earlier, at 11am, during The Tall Ships Races.