HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country enjoyed a successful staging of its famous fairground at night evenings last Saturday (September 23).

It was a balmy evening, which was in stark contrast to the steady rain of the previous Saturday opening.

Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding said: “This last Saturday was a perfect evening, and visitors arrived in good numbers and enjoyed themselves. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for further good weather on our remaining Saturday evening openings.”

The remaining Saturday evening fairground at night events are on October 7, 14 and 21.

On the final two Saturdays Hollycombe is working in conjunction with the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership and Wheeldrive to offer a return courtesy shuttle bus service from Liphook Railway Station to the attraction, which will also pick up at the bus stop by Sainsbury’s in Liphook.

“We appreciate that being on the top of Iron Hill we are not best blessed with public transport options,” said Brian.

“It’s terrific that we can offer visitors the opportunity to visit Hollycombe using the free minibus service on both October 14 and 21.

“Timings for the shuttle service will be shown on our website, but they will operate from early evening until after we close at 10pm.”

Fairground at night offers visitors the chance to experience steam-driven rides such as the razzle dazzle, which is considered to be the world’s first white knuckle ride, the gallopers and the 103-year-old big wheel, which offers evening views over the twinkling lights of the South Downs.

After enjoying the rides visitors can sit back and relax in the bioscope, a pre-cursor to the modern cinema which is typical of the travelling shows which first brought film to the public, or reflect on themselves with a walk through an original hall of mirrors.

Hollycombe’s haunted house – the oldest in the world – will also be open for evening visits following extensive restoration.

Brian added: “Everyone loves fairground at night. The atmosphere created by the lights, sounds and steam is unique to Hollycombe – our rides are operated by volunteers and these evenings always prove most popular.”