Once a livestock market, Nottingham's Goose Fair is now a sprawling modern spectacle.
In short: For centuries, thousands of geese were driven into Nottingham to be sold at an annual trade event. Today, the livestock is gone, replaced by over five hundred thrill rides and attractions. This historic fair has survived plagues, world wars, and even a riot sparked by the price of cheese.
The origins of Nottingham's Goose Fair are ancient, potentially dating back over a millennium to Saxon times or early Danish settlements. While a royal charter granted by King Edward I in 1284 formalised the event, it was likely already established. The name itself reflects the fair's primary historical purpose: the sale of thousands of geese, driven on foot from the Lincolnshire fens to provide the traditional Michaelmas roast. To protect their feet during the fifty-mile trek, the birds were coated in a mixture of tar and sand.
The fair has undergone significant transformations, moving from the city's Old Market Square to the Forest Recreation Ground in 1928 due to urban congestion. Its character shifted from a essential trade hub—famous for high-quality cheese—to a modern funfair. This transition was marked by dramatic moments, such as a 1766 cheese riot where the mayor was reportedly toppled by a large wheel of cheese. By the late 19th century, trade had diminished as transport improved, allowing fairground rides like switchback horses and gondolas to dominate.
Despite its longevity, the fair has faced numerous interruptions. It was cancelled during the Great Plague of 1646, both World Wars, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it was cancelled again after disagreements over safety measures. However, the event remains a cultural fixture, drawing nearly half a million visitors annually. It has inspired writers like D.H. Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe, and its enduring presence is marked by 'Goosey,' a giant fibreglass mascot installed each year since the 1960s to signal the start of the festivities.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Nottingham Goose Fair
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