Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Forest Recreation Ground this autumn, as Goose Fair returns from Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October.
With more than 350 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, Goose Fair is one of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe and has been staged annually in Nottingham since at least 1284.
Half a million visitors are expected to attend the ten-day event. The consumer spend for last year’s fair was estimated to be over £7 million, with £1 million of this spent on transport, helping to generate a significant economic uplift for the city.
New rides this year include the Hulk – XL Super Trooper, Aerospace, Equinox, and a classic vintage wheel. There will also be lots of returning favourites such as Atmosfear, Matterhorn, Starflyer, Magic Mouse, and giant wheels giving panoramic views across the fair and the city beyond. All the Goose Fair classics will be in attendance too, such as Waltzers, Dodgems, Gallopers, and the Cake Walk – the only ride still operating that featured when the fair was held at Old Market Square – plus lots of side-show games such as hook-a-duck, hoopla, darts, and basketball.
For the first time in its history, SEND sessions will take place on Sundays from 12pm-1pm. Going to a funfair should be an exciting experience, but for some children and people with special educational needs and disabilities, the loud noises and bright lights can be alarming. These elements will be reduced during the SEND sessions to offer a quieter and more relaxed experience.
Food is always a highlight at the fair and along with the traditional fairground favourites of mushy peas and Cocks-on-Sticks, visitors will be able to eat their way around the world with a diverse range of food from Greek and Caribbean to Chinese cuisines.
Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the extended ten-day fair will return this year. We can see how the event boosts Nottingham’s visitor economy, with families and people of all ages enjoying the fun of the fair, and we’re proud to offer SEND sessions this year to make the event more accessible.
“We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to Goose Fair once again this autumn. Traditional attractions and fairground favourites will be on offer, as well as exciting new rides for those seeking an adrenaline-rush.”
William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch), said: “We’re looking forward to being back for a ten-day fair, which has been a success for the last couple of years and seems to be working well. There are always a lot of returning visitors and Goose Fair is a part of their tradition, such as parents and grandparents bringing their children. The fair belongs to the people of Nottingham and it’s great to get their support each year.”
Opening Times
Friday 27 September 16:00 – 23:30
Saturday 28 September 12:00 – 23:30
Sunday 29 September 13:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Monday 30 September 16:00 – 22:30
Tuesday 1 October 16:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 2 October 16:00 – 22:30
Thursday 3 October 16:00 – 22:30
Friday 4 October 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday 5 October 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 6 October 13:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Travelling to Goose Fair
Tram
Bus
• How to get to Goose Fair by bus during Nottingham’s 10-Day tram network strike
Plan your journey by NCT or Trentbarton buses. For just £8.50 the Grouprider ticket allows unlimited day travel on all NCT buses in the City Zone for up to 5 people (max 2 adults).
Car
Blue Badge event parking is available. There is no other public vehicle parking permitted on site apart from Blue Badge holder parking.
