A fairground ride that featured in hit films has sent Norwich into a spin as it returns for Christmas 2023. 

The 'Pride of the South' Gallopers was built by Frederick Savage of King's Lynn in 1893 and it has spent most of its life on the south coast.

Downs' Traditional Fun Fair has owned the ride for the last five years and it boasts 36 horses.

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It is based outside The Forum from now until January 1 2024 and it is open from 11am to 7pm on weekdays and 11am to 8pm at weekends (weather permitting and closed on Christmas Day) and it costs £3pp. 

Norwich Evening News: The Gallopers is based outside The Forum in Norwich until New Year's Day The Gallopers is based outside The Forum in Norwich until New Year's Day (Image: Newsquest)

It has a rich history, appearing in films such as Half a Sixpence (1967), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).

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Norwich Evening News: The 'Pride of the South' Gallopers features 36 horses The 'Pride of the South' Gallopers features 36 horses (Image: Newsquest)

It is also the only ride that has operated in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. 

John Downs, one of the owners, said: "Everywhere we go, people say they can remember riding on the gallopers as a child and now they come back with their grandchildren - it is very nostalgic."

Explaining the difference between gallopers and carousels, he added: "English gallopers tend to go clockwise, whereas carousels are built in America or elsewhere in Europe and they go anti-clockwise and are smaller and lower."