Michaelmas Fair ride stopped after loud bang

One of the rides at the Michaelmas Fair was shut at about 8.30pm last night (Friday) after a loud bang was heard

A LOUD bang prompted the closure of one of the rides at the Michaelmas Fair in Newbury last night (Friday).

The Body Count – one of the popular spinning rides at the annual event, had to be shut prior to the firework display at about 8.30pm after a loud bang was heard while the ride was in operation.

All riders had to be let off and although no one was injured, one eyewitness, Alison Hutcheson, said the loud noise scared a few of the people nearby.

She said: “They stopped it quite swiftly [after hearing the noise] and everyone got off safely.

“I haven't seen anything like it before at a fair, but everyone seemed alright – I didn't see anyone looking too upset.”

The ride remained closed last night following the incident and chief steward, John Edwards, said today (Saturday) that the problem appeared to be associated with a light panel.

He said that no one was hurt in the incident and added that the ride should be back in operation today (Saturday) following an inspection earlier this morning.