This article was republished for International Women’s Day 2026 to highlight the incredible women of Bylines Network
Having lived in North West England for 35 years, I thought I knew many of the peculiarities of this country. But arriving in Nottingham for a few weeks’ stay told me there was at least one major event I had never heard of. The Nottingham Goose Fair!
However, when I mentioned the fair to a friend who lives in the North West, the reaction was “oh, we used to go there when we were children!” So, obviously, even 50-odd years ago it was a well-known affair.
The Goose Fair
Nottingham’s Goose Fair may not be the oldest fair in the UK (Hereford May Fair claims that accolade) but it has been going a long time. The tradition is said to have been granted a Royal Charter in 1284 by King Edward I, but the fair was already established by then.
Geese were sold at the fair in time for Michaelmas.
It was halted a few times, notably in the 17th century when the black death went through the British Isles (a lockdown to prevent the spread of the deadly epidemic), during the first and second world wars in the 20th century, and this century during the first two Covid years. Each time the fair was restarted as soon as possible.
September used to be the fair month but since Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in the 18th century it changed to October.
The Fair is on for 10 days this year. This too has varied over the years, from three to 10 days. The present time is to allow for a few days’ low takings if the weather is bad.
The fair in 2024
Of course the fair has changed. My friend said “oh, they have lots of art and craft stands, you will love that!” But they must not have been very popular, because I could not find one. So what stands are there?
Food – all types of food, and not all of them too healthy it seems.
Sweet: donuts, churros, waffles, candy floss, rock (including ‘cock on a stick’, which is essential Nottingham).
Savoury: traditional mushy peas (soaked and boiled the traditional way, and served with mint sauce), burger, chips and sausage options, but also some more interesting (to me at least) kitchens: Greek, Thai, Afghan, Nigerian. Enough to have me coming back daily late afternoons to pick up a different type of meal for that evening.
The sweet food smells overwhelmingly sweet, in fact it seems like you may get a sugar overload just from walking around the fair! I feel sorry for parents with young children, having to say no at every stand they pass. But I suppose they know that before they even come here.
Drink stands: less of them than food stands, but I see quite a few that sell Slush in various colours!
Rides and games
There are a lot of rides and games, with something for most ages it seems. Some seem gentle; some old favourites I remember from fairs when I was a child (merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, grab the duck, shoot the target or throw the dart) and others that are newer, like the Wheel and Aerospace – people go high in the air, and while the view will be great, it is not for me.
This year the organisers arranged SEND sessions each Sunday from 12 till 1pm. For an hour the music is lower, there are fewer lights, and those with neurodiversity who can’t cope with loud music or flashing lights can enjoy themselves. A good initiative.
My personal experience
I am not really one for rides and loud noise, or large amounts of people. However, once I got over that idea, I went back every day for a meal, and on the weekend also for lunch. Maybe not the healthiest option to take, but what an experience! A different country’s cuisine every time, my tastebuds were in heaven.
Apart from that: it was well organised, wheelchair friendly, public toilets were present (though I am not sure how wheelchair friendly they were), and the ground was covered with metal walkways as the rain turned the grass into a bit of a mud bath.
What I missed were some seating areas; I only saw one by a stand which sold alcoholic beverages. As I am not 21 anymore, I would have liked to sit down now and then, before exploring another part of the fair. I wondered how some of the elderly who used walking sticks got on not being able to have a rest now and then.
But all in all, highly recommended, and not to be missed if you are in or near Nottingham when the next Goose Fair is on!
All pictures by Anna Schurer
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