The Hoppings will take place on the city's town moor and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors.

The event will open with more than 3,000 children from special schools treated to free rides by organisers, the Showman's Guild.

The Guild is hoping for a revival this year after the 2001 event was blighted by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

'Cancelled events'

Colin Noble, from the Guild said: "This year is going to be bigger and better than ever.

"We have new rides as well as the old favourites, we even have bungee jumping.

"We suffered a lot last year with fairs and events cancelled.

"Business is still pretty tight, but we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Mr Noble said the Guild has joined forces with the Variety Club of Great Britain to launch the event with free rides for special needs youngsters.

He said: "We call them our VIPs and it's something everyone involved with the Hoppings loves to be involved with."

The Hoppings will run for 10 days.