Statfold Park is to open its purpose-built National Fairground Museum for the first time on 24 May, after rehousing much of the vintage ride collection formerly operated by Dingles Fairground Museum in Milford Lifton.

Already home to the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust, the Tamworth family attraction and campsite is now home to classic rides such as Shaw’s Moonrocket and Edwards’ Chariot Racer, after Dingles closed last November.

“We are proud to announce that The National Fairground Museum will be opening its doors here at Statfold Country Park,” said a spokesperson. 

“Following our announcement last March, we have worked alongside The Fairground Heritage Trust to relocate and open this prestigious collection of fairground rides.”

Shaws Moonrocket is the last complete surviving and operational Moonrocket, and even after 80 years can still swing riders at 16 rpm while the central dome rotates in the opposite direction “making it seem a lot faster and playing with your mind.”

Meanwhile, Edwards’ Chariot Racer was “part of the very first generation of thrilling, white-knuckle rides” when it was built in the 1930s, and features artwork by Sid and Albert Howell.

“The breathtaking Roman chariot racing scene became a symbol of these rides, and this particular one is regarded as one of the finest ever created. In fact, it’s the only one of its kind still in use today!”