Hampstead Heath Fair

I love the fair and have a gung ho approach to most rides. On the Spring and Summer bank holidays Joe Cogger’s fair roles into NW3 with a host of thrill inducing rides. On this particular day it was muddy and quiet due to the unpredictable weather. With an impressive choice of rides for adults and kids and a dearth of queues I decided to have a go on the Extreme. Most rides cost £2.50 and Extreme was no exception. As I was strapped in I felt supremely confident I would handle this ride with ease. One minute in my confidence was brimming as I laughed gleefully. Then the ride started to jolt as it switched cycles, it started to spin faster, the jolts continued as the ride took on horrific speeds, contorting and hurling me at insane angles. My grip tightened and my confidence shot straight out of my ass on a wave of sputtering methane. Silent prayers were said as my evil concious mind told me lies. «The machines broken Leon, it will never stop.» «The machine jolts because it is coming off its hinges.» Three minutes in and I just wanted it to stop. Thankfully, eventually it did stop. As I staggered off the ride I looked around at my fellow equally disorientated riders and smiled as I realised I wasn’t the only one feeling out of it.
For the second time in my entire life, I was defeated by a fairground ride. The funny thing is both times I gave in to fear at a temporary weekend fair. Maybe there is a increased sensation of danger that gets to me. Either way, this is a fun fair that all the family can enjoy.