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Swalwell Hoppings
Swalwell Hoppings were held from at least the 18th century on ground beside Ridley Gardens. Originally they were probably more than just a fair, being more of a carnival with horse races and sporting events. The Hoppings were still popular in the 1950s when roundabouts and sideshows would appear on the 'Hopping Field' in the late spring and stay for about a week.
A popular local song, Swalwell Hopping, was written by John Selkirk, a Gateshead man, in 1807, and refers to the exploits of the notorious Crowley's Crew, the ironworkers from Swalwell and neighbouring Winlaton and Winlaton Mill.
The Hoppings ceased in the 1960s.