The Spanish City funfair has returned to Whitley Bay for Easter 2026, bringing a full week of rides, free entertainment and family attractions to the North East coast at the start of the school holidays. The popular event is running from Good Friday, April 3, through to Thursday, April 9 on The Links, opening daily between 11am and 6pm with free entry for visitors.
As families look for affordable ways to spend the Easter break, the fair is once again attracting attention as one of the region’s biggest seasonal attractions. Organisers have confirmed a wide mix of rides for all age groups, alongside special free activities planned for the holiday weekend.
This year’s line-up includes classic family rides such as dodgems, waltzers, a Ghost Train, Jumping Frogs and a family rollercoaster, offering options for younger children and those looking for a more relaxed experience. For thrillseekers, larger attractions including Air Raid, Star Flyer, Top Star, The Bomber and Star Fighter are expected to be among the main draws.
What visitors can expect from the 7-day Easter event
The Spanish City funfair has become a regular fixture in Whitley Bay’s events calendar, similar to other major regional fairs like The Hoppings and Valentine’s Funfair. Its return each Easter signals the start of the outdoor events season across the North East, drawing large crowds whenever weather conditions allow.
Unlike many ticketed attractions, the fair operates with free entry, allowing visitors to pay only for the rides and activities they choose. This model has grown increasingly popular as families look to manage spending while still enjoying day trips during school holidays.
Sunday is expected to be one of the busiest days, with organisers planning additional free entertainment including Easter egg giveaways, face painting and appearances from well-known children’s characters. These extras are designed to extend the experience beyond rides and make the event more appealing for younger families.
The fair’s location on The Links also plays a key role in its popularity, offering open space near the seafront and easy access for visitors travelling from across the region. Events like this continue to support local businesses, with increased footfall benefiting nearby cafes, restaurants and shops throughout the holiday period.
Weather concerns as Storm Dave approaches
This year’s event comes with some uncertainty due to forecast weather conditions. Storm Dave is expected to bring strong winds across parts of the North East over the Bank Holiday weekend, with gusts potentially reaching 50–60mph in some areas.
While this could affect visitor numbers on certain days, fairs in coastal locations like Whitley Bay are no strangers to changeable conditions. Even short periods of clearer weather often lead to a surge in attendance, particularly during school breaks when families have flexible plans.
The timing of the event remains crucial. With Easter holidays beginning in early April, the funfair provides one of the first major outdoor attractions of the season, setting the tone for upcoming events across the region. Its combination of traditional rides, free activities and seaside location continues to make it a reliable draw year after year.
For those planning a visit, keeping an eye on weather updates will be key. The latest forecasts and warnings can be checked via the UK Met Office, which is monitoring conditions over the Easter period.
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