What is the Nottingham Goose Fair?
Nottingham Goose Fair could date as far back as a thousand years, but no one is sure of it’s exact origins. We know that there has been a seasonal fair in Nottingham since Saxon times, and the first mention of Goose Fair is all the way back in the 1500s!
Back in the earliest recorded Nottingham Goose Fairs, up to twenty thousand geese were marched to Nottingham from the surrounding areas to be sold in time for a day of feasting. The event is awash with history and tradition which is all part of the appeal, when you visit Nottingham Goose Fair you know you’re part of something that’s been going on since Saxon times!
Throughout the centuries, Nottingham Goose Fair has been attended by kings and nobility, and has grown larger and larger. In the 1700s, the fair was even the site of the infamous Nottingham Cheese Riot! Thankfully these days there’s more than enough food to go around, and there’s a lot more to be had than cheese!
The Modern Nottingham Goose Fair
Today, Nottingham Goose Fair is still going strong but rather than a flock of geese marching into town it’s thousands of human feet on the way to something very different. Nowadays, the main attraction is the funfair rides! Tradition is still strong and the fair is opened by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham ringing a pair of silver bells, and you can bet on an appearance by Goosey the official mascot.
Though the purpose of the fair may have changed over the centuries, it hasn’t stopped the excitement and attendance with up to 400,000 people in attendance annually over the duration. People come from far and wide to enjoy the carnival stalls, the food, the white knuckle rides and the atmosphere. It’s a place where memories are made and where funfair and fairground hire companies are proud to supply to such a prestigious event steeped in history.
Funfair Rides and Games
With fairground stalls, classic rides like carousels and Waltzers and new high octane rides, We Are Tricycle have been bringing fun like this to funfairs and fairgrounds for years and we can’t wait to help you throw your next one!
The funfair or carnival is a tremendous event and what better way to take it all in than from the top of a Ferris wheel, the perfect photo opportunity!
You can bet attendances will continue to soar at funfairs and fairgrounds in the UK, and We Are Tricycle will always be happy to attend to keep bringing the newest, most exciting attractions to them, Choose us for the biggest events on the funfair calendar!
You might be interested in some of the other historic funfairs and festivals that take place in the country. For instance, did you know about the history of the Mop Fair? These classic events take place in areas such as Gloucestershire and Warwickshire every year. Or why not read about the history of funfairs and fairgrounds?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
