Excitement is building at the Forest Recreation Ground as the first fairground rides begin arriving on site, with Goose Fair now just one week away.
The fair runs from Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October, boasting more than 400 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages.
Attending for the very first time is Elevate 85, standing at 85m in height and the tallest ride ever to attend Goose Fair, which will offer incredible panoramic views of the fair and the city beyond. The 80m high Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower, will also be making a welcome return after its popular debut in 2025. Psycho is another new addition this year, a looping thrill ride that spins and swings its riders through the air.
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 in 1927 – plus lots of side-show games such as hook-a-duck, hoopla, darts, and basketball.
Following feedback from visitors and residents in previous years, the fair will now be opening at midday on Friday 25 September. This extended opening gives fairgoers an additional four hours to enjoy the rides and attractions, while offering a quieter weekday afternoon alternative to the busier evenings and weekends.
To officially open the event, the traditional bell-ringing ceremony will take place at 12pm on Friday 25 September adjacent to the tram stop at Gate 8, with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham ringing the silver Goose Fair bells. The ceremony will also include a performance from the Djanogly City Academy choir, plus a reading from poet, researcher and seventh-generation Showman, Sheldon Chadwick.
SEND sessions will once again take 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.
Businesses at the Forest – including Homemade Café and Forest Sports Zone – will remain open as usual during Goose Fair.
Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “With just one week to go until Goose Fair returns, excitement is really starting to build across the city. As the first rides arrive on site, we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors for one of Nottingham’s most iconic events.
“This year’s fair will feature a fantastic mix of traditional favourites alongside exciting new rides and attractions, ensuring there’s something for every generation to enjoy.
“We’re also pleased to be introducing an earlier opening time on Friday, giving people even more opportunity to experience Goose Fair, whether they prefer to visit during the day, in the evening or over the weekend.
“Goose Fair is not only a much-loved tradition, it also delivers significant benefits for Nottingham, attracting visitors from across the region, supporting local businesses and showcasing the city as a vibrant destination for events. We can’t wait to see the fairground lights return and welcome everyone back for another memorable year.”
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.
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