Hyde Park Winter Wonderland speaks out after Birmingham Star Flyer ride collapses

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has issued a statement reassuring visitors after a ride collapsed at a Birmingham Christmas fair last night.

The operator, Danter Attractions, claims to supply Winter Wonderland (WW) with rides on its website, however, Hyde Park officials have confirmed that is not the case this year.

A spokesperson has also reassured visitors that safety remains a top priority at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Birmingham Police officers rushed to Centenary Square yesterday evening (Thursday 12 December) following reports of an issue with the Star Flyer ride. Images shared online showed seats tangled on the ride and police confirmed "a small number" of people were treated by paramedics at the scene. Two people were taken to hospital.

The Danter Attractions website says: “Danter Attractions presented by Abie Danter operate and hire portable theme park attractions and amusement rides throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide...

“Danter Attractions Air were stars of Channel 5's documentary 'Fairground Attractions. Besides this, we have a range of traditional and modern funfair rides available to hire, all of which are maintained to the highest standards, and carry full Public Liability Insurance, Test Certificates, and Risk Assessments.

“Throughout the year our rides can be found at many high-profile events across the country including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Download Festival, T in the Park, and Nottingham Goose Fair to name but a few.”

A spokesperson for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland said: “We are aware of the incident in Birmingham and we wish those with injuries a swift recovery. We can confirm Hyde Park Winter Wonderland does not feature any rides from the Birmingham Star Flyer operator and the safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority.

“All of our rides undergo rigorous and regular safety checks by independent ride consultants, experienced members of staff trained in health and safety, and the UK’s national ADIPS Scheme for inspection and certification of fairground rides and amusement devices so that our visitors can enjoy a fun and safe experience.”