Nottingham’s historic funfair – Goose Fair is returning to Forest Recreation Grounds by the end of September

Published: 17:04, 13 September 2023

| Updated: 13:52, 14 September 2023

Europe’s biggest traveling fair with over 700 years of history is returning by the end of the month.

Goose Fair will run from Friday, September 29 until Sunday, October 8 at Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham.

The free-of-charge fair is due to have over 500 rides, games, attractions and food stalls.

The Nottingham fair is one of the three in the country with the name, but by far the most popular with over 400,000 visitors each year.

Initially, the fair was a place for farmers and butchers to sell their animals to other farmers, butchers and cheesemakers.

Various other business owners would set up a stall at the fair to sell their wares alongside the main livestock market.

Thousands of geese would be brought to market to be sold which originated the name – Goose Fair.

It started turning into a fun fair in the early 19th century and developed throughout the years into the big fair it is today.

The opening times to this year’s fair are: