Final Fair-well to Pullin's on last day of trading after 40 years on Endcliffe Park

The family business behind Endcliffe Park’s historic fairground bid farewell on Sunday after 40 years of bringing happiness to children.

Countless Sheffield families and little ones have made memories on the bouncy castles and merry-go-rounds run by Jon Pullin’s Amusements since the 1980s.

However, after four decades, the ride came to an end in 2026.

Earlier this year, Pullin’s was told their time at the park was up after Sheffield City Council awarded its contract to a new provider.

Despite outcry from several councillors and a petition gaining over 2,400 signatures calling for greater “transparency” over the process, the business held its final day of day of trading on November 1.

Families, children and former employees turned out in scores on Sunday for one last go on the iconic yellow giraffe bouncy castle and to say their goodbyes.

Little ones played and shrieked on the slides and rides with usual delight, while parents said their commiserations to Joe and the Pullin family.

Operator Joe Pullin told The Star how the business has been there so long it has seen children who played there grow up and bring their own kids.

He said: “We didn’t want to do anything too big for our final day as we could just have to take it down again.

“It will take two weeks to take the rides down and then that will be it.

“We’re disappointed - but we’ve seen it coming. The council today is not the same council that asked us personally to come to this park 40 years ago.

“In my opinion, the decisionmakers has made it so anything their predecessors have done is changed out for something new so they can justify their jobs.

“We’re looking into where to go next, but it feels like Sheffield isn’t a place friendly to small businesses at the moment. The processes are extortionate.

“Thank you to all our customers over the years, for your support, and your excellent bouncing.”

Former employee Conor Murphy, 35, was one dad who turned out on Sunday to pay a final visit.

He said: “Working here was great fun - I remember lots of shouting and encouraging kids to play and show off on the bouncy castle.

“When I was five I fell off my bike in front of the fairground and it was Jon Pullin who got the paramedics for me.

“Years later, he was my boss. He’s a great guy, and probably one of the best bosses I’ve ever had.

“Two of the employees I met here are going to be my best men at my wedding next year. I made friends for life.”

The family is also set to tell its story as part of a heritage project titled The Showmen of Sheffield with the help of a £120,000 grant from National Lottery.

Endcliffe Park is owned by a charitable trust, of which the council is sole trustee. The committee is responsible for decision-making.

Following criticism over the tendering process, committee chair Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo said the contract was re-awarded after an “open and transparent tender process.”

She said: “The successful bidder has proposed an acceptable quality of service. The charity trustee committee reviewed the operators and the pricing plan, including the length of time [of rides] for customers, before taking the decision for the charity.”