Llandudno
Victorian Extravaganza
What, you may think, will be awaiting you as you enter Llandudno over
May Bank Holiday? As you come closer, you will see the traditional steam
engines, Victorian motors and roundabouts, and many people wearing strange
clothing …Of
course, it’s
only the Victorian Extravaganza!
The Extravaganza has been held in Llandudno ever since 1986, spanning
over three days, with plenty of events and attractions each day. It is
usually held in the first week of May, running into May Day Bank Holiday,
alongside the Prom Day at nearby Colwyn Bay. With attractions running
the length of Mostyn Street, there is definitely something to entice
everybody!
Events and Attractions
Mostyn Street
Although still a fairground, during the Extravagnza Mostyn Street becomes
a fair with a twist. Unlike many others, Llandudno’s Extravaganza
keeps to its Victorian origins, with many beautiful and grand Victorian
steam engines and impressive motor cars. All Victorian transports are
exhibited along Mostyn Street. The Extravaganza saw a refurbishment
in 2007 with the modern fair only taking up a small section of Mostyn
Street and the main street thriving with traditional fairground rides.
So, what is there in store for you along Mostyn Street? What certainly
can’t be missed are the merry-go-round carousels, otherwise known
as ‘hobby horses’, running on steam and with beautifully
hand painted wooden horses. In the centre of the carousel are five
wooden puppets, all playing a different instrument, and also becoming
the hub of the merry-go-round’s music. Kids will love this attraction
and will want to stay on all day—just be prepared for arguments
over who gets to ride on the leading horse at the front!
There are also plenty of traditional roundabouts, with small fire engines
and cars for children to sit in. The most popular roundabout ride seems
to be, however, the double decker bus, with a ladder up to the top deck
and a real ringing bell (although you do have to be around dwarf-size
to fit inside the bus). As well as the Victorian style ones, there are
more modern roundabouts found further up Mostyn Street, with racecars
and small speedboats—alas, no double decker buses.
As with every fairground, you will find those little duck catching stalls,
where for a pound you must try and catch a plastic yellow duck (the amount
of yellow ducks on show in the Extravaganza may make you feel like you
don’t want to see a duck again for a few days), winning a prize
of a large cuddly toy bear or, more likely, a goldfish (there are also
many, many of these fish on show). It is possibly the only day of the
year when it’s acceptable to carry a goldfish in a carrier bag
down the road with you, without being caught by the RSPCA.
Who could forget the Helter Skelter? Grab a mat and climb to the top,
where you can spiral back down to the bottom again. Always a popular
attraction at fairgrounds, these helter skelters can be spotted from
the promenade whilst driving into Llandudno, giving you that feeling
of excitement as you wonder what awaits you on Mostyn Street.
Worrying that the most important fairground has been forgotten about?
Fear not, the infamous Big Wheel takes pride of place at the top of Mostyn
Street, dominating the skyline of Llandudno’s Extravaganza. A tall
and magnificent wheel, this is definitely a ride worth taking just to
experience the spectacular, panoramic views of Llandudno and beyond!
There is also the interesting little train which runs down Mostyn Street
past the Marks & Spencer store, which can be ridden by small children
whilst supervised by parents.
If you want to try something a little bit more modern, the infamous
Cage ride usually sits towards the top of Mostyn Street, although there
are usually two or three of these rides somewhere along the road! Hugely
popular with teenagers, be prepared to be ‘caged’ into part
of the ride standing up, twirled into the air and different angles, but
unable to move because of the G force! Just take a quiet, slow ride afterwards
to avoid nausea.
Another modern ride, (which I personally think ruins the feeling of
the traditional Victorian Extravaganza a little), is the large ‘bungee’ ride.
On this ride you will be safely strapped into a small, covered seat and
catapulted at almighty speed into the air, turning upside down several
times. An exciting ride if you enjoy being thrown about for five minutes,
but not one for the faint hearted!
More
Victorian Extravaganza >
