A decision to cancel The Hoppings has been made jointly by the Freemen, who manage Newcastle’s Town Moor, and Newcastle City Council.
The showmen and exhibitors who had already booked their pitches have been notified.
In response to the latest developments regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic, and in consultation with Newcastle City Council, it has been decided that it is necessary to cancel the Hoppings for 2020.
The annual fair which is the largest travelling fair in Europe and always takes place for a week in June will not now return until 2021.
Commenting on the decision to cancel this year’s event, David Wilson, vice chair of the stewards committee of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne said: “The Hoppings is a regional institution and we are bitterly disappointed that we have had to take this difficult decision, however it is in the best interests of the public.
“We are fully aware of the impact it will have, but after more than 130 years of history, The Hoppings is still a big part of the fabric of the region and we look forward to it returning in 2021.
“It is not a decision that has been taken lightly. It has been made with the well-being and safety of our tenants, the local community and all the thousands of loyal visitors who regularly attend the fair each year.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: “The Hoppings is an extremely popular event but in light of the pandemic and the Government’s restrictions around social distancing it simply cannot go ahead.
“I appreciate some will be disappointed at this but not surprised in the circumstances when all mass gatherings having been cancelled.
“Everyone’s priority right now should be restricting the spread of this virus. This will help protect the NHS as it helps those fighting this invisible enemy expected only to become more prevalent in the weeks ahead.”
A postponement of the event was discussed but considered inappropriate due to the uncertainty of the situation and logistics.