<P> The Hoppings is an annual travelling funfair held on the Town Moor in Newcastle upon Tyne, during the last week in June . It is one of Europe's largest travelling funfairs . Its forerunner was The Blaydon Races, which was held in Blaydon . </P> <P> Several origins have been suggested for the name, most of which relate to dancing . The word "hopping", means a dance in Middle English (Old fairs included dancing). Another idea stems from the clothing which the travellers used to wear; that being of old, sack - like tops and pants . Clothing often became infested with fleas from the animals that travelled with the fair . People were often seen "jumping" or "hopping" about itching from the bites which they received . Or the name may derive from the Anglo - Saxon word "hoppen" meaning funfair . </P>

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