Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Forest Recreation Ground this autumn, as Goose Fair is back from Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October.
Goosey the Goose Fair goose has taken up its perch on the Mansfield Road roundabout once again, announcing the return of one of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe later this month. With more than 400 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, Goose Fair has been staged annually in Nottingham since at least 1284.
Goose Fair generates a significant economic uplift for the city and increasingly attracts visitors from across the region, with half a million attendees expected at the ten-day event. An economic impact report on last year’s fair highlighted that consumer spend was estimated to be £11.8 million. This includes £1.3 million on transport, £3.5 million on food and drink, and £7 million on rides and attractions. Data from a post-event visitor survey shows that 83% of attendees were from Nottinghamshire, and 17% visited from the rest of the East Midlands and further afield.
Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower standing at an incredible 80-metres high, will be returning after making an impressive debut in 2025. Other popular rides will be back such as Atmosfear, Matterhorn, Starflyer, Magic Mouse, Aerospace, and the big wheel, giving panoramic views of the fair and 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.
SEND sessions will once again 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.
This year, Nottingham City Council and the Showmen’s Guild are continuing to work to reduce the impact of the fair on local residents. The Goose Fair temporary resident parking permit scheme will be extended, and complimentary ride vouchers will be given to residents in the immediate vicinity of the Forest Recreation Ground. More information will be shared with residents in due course.
Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “The return of Goose Fair is always a highlight for Nottingham. It’s a chance to celebrate a tradition that has been part of our city’s story for hundreds of years, while bringing people together to enjoy the unique atmosphere the fair creates.
“Events like this help attract visitors, support local businesses and demonstrate why Nottingham remains one of the best places in the country to live, work and visit. We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another fantastic year.”
William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch), said: “The showmen are really looking forward to coming back for ten days again this year. We’re delighted to see that the Goose has gone up and are excited for the fair to begin in just a few short weeks.”
Opening Times
Friday 25 September 12:00 – 23:00
Saturday 26 September 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 27 September 12:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Monday 28 September 16:00 – 22:30
Tuesday 29 September 16:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 30 September 16:00 – 22:30
Thursday 1 October 16:00 – 22:30
Friday 2 October 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday 3 October 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 4 October 12:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
Travelling to Goose Fair
Tram
NET’s £12 Family ticket allows unlimited travel for one day on weekends, and after 4pm on weekdays, for 5 people (1 or 2 adults and at least 1 child, maximum 3). The Family ticket is £15 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 £10 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 £15 you can travel across all NCT services in the City Zone and Outer Zone.
The trentbarton zigzag group ticket allows unlimited all-day travel on trentbarton buses for £18.90 (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.