DESCRIPTION:

NOTTINGHAM GOOSE FAIR:

A 700-YEAR-OLD TRADITION

Over 250,000 visitors flock to the Nottingham Goose Fair, one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most beloved annual events, each autumn. The fair is held at the Forest Recreation Ground and features rides, games, food stalls, and entertainment, drawing people of all ages to celebrate fun and tradition.

The Nottingham Goose Fair's origins date back more than 700 years, with its name rooted in the medieval practice of trading geese at the event. First mentioned in 1284 (the time of Robin Hood), the fair initially served as a livestock market, with geese being driven from the Lincolnshire Fens to Nottingham for sale. Over time, the event evolved from a market fair to one focused on entertainment, and today, it has become one of the largest travel fairs in Europe.

Held over the course of five days, typically in the first week of October, the fair features more than 500 attractions. From towering roller coasters and exhilarating thrill rides to traditional fairground favorites like carousels and candy floss stalls, the fair caters to thrill-seekers and families alike. In addition to the rides, visitors can enjoy a variety of food vendors offering classic British snacks and international cuisines, making it a lively and diverse experience.The event is immensely popular, with an estimated half a million people attending each year. Locals and tourists flock to the fair, eager to enjoy its unique atmosphere and comprehensive attractions.

The fair's long-standing tradition and historical significance have helped cement its status as a key cultural event in Nottingham, drawing generations of families who attend year after year.Attendees come not only for the amusement but also for the sense of community and tradition. For many, the fair is a nostalgic trip back to childhood, while others attend to experience one of the country's most iconic fairs for the first time. Whatever the reason, the Nottingham Goose Fair continues to be a vibrant and cherished event in the UK's calendar, blending history with contemporary fun.