Goose Fair

About

Friday 27 September - Sunday 6 October 2024
Forest Recreation Ground
FREE entry

Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Forest Recreation Ground this autumn, as Goose Fair returns from Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October.

With more than 350 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, Goose Fair is one of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe and has been staged annually in Nottingham since at least 1284.

New rides this year include the Hulk - XL Super Trooper, Aerospace, Equinox, and a classic vintage wheel. There will also be lots of returning favourites such as Atmosfear, Matterhorn, Starflyer, Magic Mouse, and giant wheels giving panoramic views across the fair and the city beyond. 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 - plus lots of side-show games such as hook-a-duck, hoopla, darts, and basketball.

For the first time in its history, SEND sessions will take place on Sundays from 12pm-1pm. Going to a funfair should be an exciting experience, but for some children and people with special educational needs and disabilities, the loud noises and bright lights can be alarming. These elements will be reduced during the SEND sessions to offer a quieter and more relaxed experience.

Food is always a highlight at the fair and along with the traditional fairground favourites of mushy peas and Cocks-on-Sticks, visitors will be able to eat their way around the world with a diverse range of food from Greek and Caribbean to Chinese cuisines.

Opening times
Friday 27 September: 4pm-11pm
Saturday 28 September: 12pm-11pm
Sunday 29 September: 12pm-9pm (SEND session 12pm-1pm)
Monday 30 September: 4pm-10.30pm
Tuesday 1 October: 4pm-10.30pm
Wednesday 2 October: 4pm-10.30pm
Thursday 3 October: 4pm-10.30pm
Friday 4 October: 4pm-11pm
Saturday 5 October: 12pm-11pm
Sunday 6 October: 12pm-9pm (SEND session 12pm-1pm)

Please note that CCTV will be in operation. Security staff supported by Nottinghamshire Police will ensure a safe event for everyone attending. 

Travelling to Goose Fair

Tram
The tram strike has now been called off and services will run as normal to Goose Fair at The Forest tram stop.

Nottingham's tram network operates a "turn up and go" service, with trams from every 7 minutes during the week (every 3 minutes within the City Centre) and from every 10 minutes at weekends.  Displays at every stop will let you know when the next tram is due to arrive.

The tram picks up at six park and ride sites during Goose Fair - Clifton South, Toton Lane, Wilkinson Street, Hucknall, Moor Bridge and Phoenix Park. You can park here for free when using the tram - day tickets are available for £5.40 for adults and £3.40 for children. Group tickets (2 adults & 3 children) are available for £9 at weekends and evnings during the week.

Bus
Plan your journey by NCT or Trentbarton buses. Single adult fares are £2, or for just £8.50 the Grouprider ticket allows unlimited day travel on all NCT buses in the City Zone for up to 5 people (max 2 adults). The trentbarton zigzag group ticket allows unlimited day travel on trentbarton buses for £18 (up to 5 people). 

NCT will run frequent services on the Yellow, Brown, Purple, and Lime routes, stopping on Mansfield Road at Forest Gate. Buses will run every 3-4 minutes on Friday and Saturday and every 4-6 minutes on Sunday. In the city centre, board these buses on Parliament Street or Milton Street.

Car
Blue Badge event parking is available for £10 per car. There is no other public vehicle parking permitted on site apart from Blue Badge holder parking. Please do not park on residential streets in the area - this will be strictly enforced.

Visitors can use city centre car parks including Trinity Square, Victoria Centre, Q Park Talbot Street, Crowne Plaza Wollaton Street, Lace Market, and Broad Marsh. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to the Forest Recreation Ground from the city centre.

Taxi
Private hire taxis will be able to pick up/drop off on Bentinck Road.

Cycling
Why not travel to Goose Fair via bicycle or on a Lime e-bike? E-bikes can be parked at one of the bays near the Forest Recreation Ground, or there is event cycle parking for both bicycles and e-bikes, which can be accessed from gate 11 at the junction of Forest Road East and Waverley Street. E-bikes can be hired through the Lime app, available on the App Store or Google Play. Lime is currently offering new users two free trips using code NOTTFRESHERS24, enabling new users to get to the fair and back for free.