Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Forest Recreation Ground this autumn, as Goose Fair is back from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October.
Goosey the Goose Fair goose has taken up its perch on the Mansfield Road roundabout once again, heralding the return of one of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe later this month. With more than 350 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, Goose Fair 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 £10 million, including £1.2 million spent on transport to and from the event. Goose Fair generated a significant economic uplift for the city, bringing more local and regional visitors to the area.
New rides this year include the steampunk-themed Time Machine, and Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower standing at an impressive 80-metres high. There will also be lots of returning favourites such as Atmosfear, Matterhorn, Starflyer, Magic Mouse, Aerospace, and a giant wheel 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.
Following a hugely successful trial last year, SEND sessions will be returning for 2025, taking place on Sundays from 12pm-1pm. These sessions allow children and people with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy the fair without the loud noises and bright lights.
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 Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “As one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs dating as far back in Nottingham to at least 1284, Goose Fair brings a vibrant energy to the city and we’re delighted to see it return for ten days again this year.
The event not only supports our local economy, but attracts visitors from further afield for a truly unique Nottingham experience and I look forward to attending with my family and friends.
We’re especially proud to continue the SEND sessions introduced last year, which were incredibly well-received and highlighted our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.”
William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch), said: “The showmen are really looking forward to the return of Goose Fair, and we hope it will be a tradition for many years to come. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to attend, including parents and grandparents bringing their little ones. We have a particularly impressive line up of rides and attractions this year along with all the Goose Fair returning favourites.”
Opening Times
Friday 26 September 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday 27 September 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 28 September 12:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Monday 29 September 16:00 – 22:30
Tuesday 30 September 16:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 1 October 16:00 – 22:30
Thursday 2 October 16:00 – 22:30
Friday 3 October 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday 4 October 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 5 October 12:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Travelling to Goose Fair
Tram
NET’s £10 Group ticket allows all-day travel on weekends, and after 4pm on weekdays, for 5 people (1 or 2 adults and up to 3 children). The Group ticket is £14 on weekdays from 6am-4pm. You will be able to use all the Park & Ride car parks to get a tram to the fair (the Forest Park & Ride will be closed).
Bus
Plan your journey via NCT or trentbarton buses. Single adult fares are £3.
For £9 the NCT Grouprider ticket allows unlimited day travel on all NCT buses in the City Zone for up to 5 people (min 1 adult, max 2 adults), or for £13 you can travel across all NCT services in the City Zone and Outer Zone.
The trentbarton zigzag group ticket allows unlimited day travel on trentbarton buses for £18 (up to 5 people).
Car
Blue Badge event parking is available for £10. There is no other public parking permitted on site apart from Blue Badge holder parking. Visitors are not permitted to park on residential streets in the area – this will be strictly enforced with extra patrols planned this year.
Cycling
Visitors can travel to Goose Fair via bicycle or on a Lime e-bike, which can be hired through the Lime app, available on the App Store or Google Play.
ENDS