Goose Fair, Nottingham

Yesterday, I visited Goose Fair in Nottingham, ticking another item off my ‘Bucket List’. It might seem a small event, almost inconsequential. It meant a lot to me; it has been something I’ve wanted to attend for many years. 

My paternal grandmother, Dorothy was born in Basford and raised in Beeston, both areas of the city. As a child, I remember her mentioning ‘Goosey fair’ on a regular basis. She didn’t go in to detail but the annual event was clearly part of her childhood. I assume it was a family tradition given that her mother, Flora was also born in Basford. Which is close to the fair’s location in Forest Recreational Ground – it’s home since 1928. Ahhh, my nan would have been just eight! Originally the fair was held in the city’s Old Market Square since 1284 but moved due to a shortage of space and redevelopment.

Originally held as a livestock market in which the Christmas geese were driven on foot from the surrounding areas into the city, ready to sell for the start of Michaelmas (29th September). It’s now a ten-day event, but would have been just eight days when my nan was a child. Yesterday, I didn’t see a single goose but the local tradition of gathering to enjoy the annual festivities and fairground rides was clear to see. 

There was a beautiful carousal of galloping horses owned by James Noyce and Sons – the traditional hand-carved decoration, the mechanical organ and accompanying puppets were stunning. I later discovered that the actual carousal ride was built in 1884 – amazing to think it has been restored and maintained since then.

One detail which made me smile, was that the ring worn on my left hand would have visited Goose Fair before, as it had belonged to my nan. I believe it was her engagement ring, due to the stone settings being his and her birth stones. It made me smile to think that 88 years after her wedding, I took her engagement ring back to Goose Fair.​