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Photographs that document the changing culture of funfairs in the Netherlands

"Dutch funfairs are an established tradition, often run by families who pass on the business from generation to generation. It's a business that can be difficult at times," says Julie Hrudova, of The Dutch Funfair, a series of atmospheric photographs that show the dying culture of candy floss, helter skelters and waltzers.

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Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of the artist

Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of the artist

"The investments are high, customers are picky and some cities don’t want funfairs in their centres any more and move them to peripheries. Still, the funfair owners work very hard and their children often plan to stay in the sector."

Her images may raise a smile, as we remember our own experiences of the classic funfair. The high-pitched screams from nearby rides. The smell of sugar lingering on the breeze. The artificial lights and sounds at every turn. But they also have a slightly melancholy feel – one that hints at the worry of dwindling bums-on-seats. Are people losing love for the funfair? Will they be able to attract new customers and win hearts again? Time can only tell.

Neon-lit fairground ride with glowing pink and cyan lights at a Dutch funfair at night, with illuminated attractions visible in the background
Neon-lit Toon Town arcade storefront with colourful signage, game machines visible through windows and a staff member inside
Illuminated funfair stalls and rides on a grass field at dusk, with bare trees in the background and grey sky above
Four young people stand together at a brightly lit funfair at night, surrounded by illuminated arcade games and rides
Brightly illuminated Suikerspin candy floss stall at a Dutch funfair, glowing with pink and red neon lights against the evening sky
A figure stands inside a brightly lit fairground booth with green and turquoise lighting, viewed through a metal barrier fence decorated with white geometric patterns.
Colourful neon-lit arcade games and fairground attractions illuminated with vibrant pink, blue and green lights in a Dutch funfair
Illuminated funfair stalls and rides arranged in a town square at dusk, with a tall monument and overhead power lines in the background
Brightly lit vintage fairground control room booth with coloured light strips and neon signage at dusk, surrounded by other illuminated ride structures
Illuminated funfair attractions at night including a brightly lit castle-like structure labelled "Mystery Kasteel" with a figure on its roof, flanked by pop art imagery and vintage fairground signage
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