Nottingham’s annual Goose Fair is set to return to the Forest Recreation Ground this autumn, running from Friday 25 September through to Sunday 4 October.
The event’s iconic goose mascot has been positioned at the Mansfield Road roundabout to herald the arrival of one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs.
With more than 400 attractions and rides available, the fair has been held in Nottingham since at least the year 1284.
Organisers anticipate approximately 500,000 visitors across the ten-day event.
Research into last year’s economic contribution indicated that spending reached £11.8 million, comprising £1.3 million on transport, £3.5 million on food and beverages, and £7 million on rides and attractions.
Survey data revealed that 83 percent of attendees originated from Nottinghamshire, with the remaining 17 percent travelling from elsewhere in the East Midlands or further afield.
The Skyfall drop tower, measuring an impressive 80 metres in height and recognised as the world’s tallest portable attraction of its kind, will appear again following its debut last year.
Additional returning favourites include Atmosfear, Matterhorn, Starflyer, Magic Mouse, Aerospace, and the big wheel, which offers sweeping vistas across the fairground and surrounding cityscape.
Traditional fairground staples such as Waltzers, Dodgems, Gallopers, and the Cake Walk will also be present, with the latter being the sole attraction still operating that originally featured when the event took place at Old Market Square.
Side-show games including hook-a-duck, hoopla, darts, and basketball will also be available.
Dedicated sessions for visitors with special educational needs and disabilities will operate on Sundays between noon and 1pm.
During these periods, the fair operates with reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting to create a more comfortable environment.
Catering options span traditional fairground fare alongside international cuisine.
Mushy peas and Cocks-on-Sticks remain available alongside dishes from Greek, Caribbean, and Chinese culinary traditions.
Nottingham City Council and the Showmen’s Guild are continuing efforts to minimise disruption to local residents during the event.
A temporary parking permit scheme for nearby inhabitants will be expanded, while complimentary ride vouchers will be distributed to those residing in streets immediately surrounding the Forest Recreation Ground.
Further details are expected to be communicated to residents shortly.
Councillor David Mellen, the council’s executive member with responsibility for leisure, culture and tourism, commented that the fair represented a significant occasion for Nottingham.
He noted the event’s role in celebrating a centuries-old tradition while bringing communities together to experience the distinctive atmosphere generated by the fair.
He added that occasions of this nature supported local enterprises and highlighted Nottingham as a desirable location for residents and visitors alike.
William Percival, chairman of the Showmen’s Guild’s Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire branch, indicated that members were anticipating their ten-day return to the city.
He expressed satisfaction at the goose symbol’s installation and looked forward to the fair’s commencement in the coming weeks.
The fair opens at noon and closes at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the event.
Sundays operate from noon until 9pm.
Weekday afternoon sessions commence at 4pm and finish at 10.30pm, with the final Friday of the event extending until 11pm.
TramNET offers a Family ticket priced at £12, permitting unlimited travel for up to five passengers on Saturdays, Sundays, and after 4pm on weekdays.
The same ticket costs £15 for journeys between 6am and 4pm on weekdays.
All Park and Ride facilities remain accessible except for the Forest location.
NCT services are available with adult single fares set at £3.
The NCT Grouprider ticket costs £10 and covers unlimited travel within the City Zone for up to five passengers, while a £15 ticket extends coverage to include the Outer Zone.
The trentbarton zigzag group ticket, priced at £18.90, permits unlimited travel on trentbarton services for up to five people throughout the day.
Blue Badge parking is available at the event for £10.
No other public parking facilities exist on site, and parking on residential streets in the surrounding area is prohibited.
Enforcement measures including additional patrols will be implemented this year.
Those travelling by bicycle may access the venue directly, while Lime e-bikes offer an alternative option through the company’s mobile application.