A quaint and creative stall at the Barton St David Carnival in Somerset has captured the hearts of millions on social media. The ‘human fruit machine,’ run by the local Keinton Mandeville Women’s Institute, became an instant viral hit on TikTok, amassing over 7.5 million views since its debut earlier this month.
The unique game mimics an electronic slot machine, but with a human twist: three women rotate their hands, each holding up pieces of fruit such as lemons and oranges. Participants pull a lever, and when the trio aligns matching fruits, they win a prize. Cardboard dividers between the women ensure fairness by blocking their view, eliminating any chance of cheating.
Martin Cabble-Reid, who shared the video on TikTok, revealed that all proceeds from the carnival and video would go back to the Women’s Institute. The clip has racked up more than half a million likes and nearly 2,000 comments, with viewers charmed by this inventive play on a classic game.
READ MORE: Mere Carnival 2025 Cancelled as Organisers Announce Hiatus
READ MORE: Yeovil Town Manager Urges Patience as Squad Gears Up for New Season
One amused user commented, “It’s a reverse world where humans stole the work of the machine!” Another pondered, “I wonder if the odds are better than on a real slot machine.” The game’s blend of nostalgia and humor sparked playful remarks about gambling and creativity, including one who joked, “My gambling addiction could never handle this—I’d end up in trouble with someone’s grandma.”
The Keinton Mandeville Women’s Institute shared their excitement on Facebook, saying, “We had a lovely day at Barton Carnival running our Human Fruit Machine to raise our local profile. Well, it appears we succeeded—we’re thrilled to have 83k likes!”
While similar human slot machines occasionally appear at village festivities, none have struck a chord quite like this one. Commenters fondly recalled playing versions of the game in their youth, celebrating the joyful community spirit captured by this viral sensation.