Roll up, roll up for all the fun of the 735th Goose Fair (or thereabouts because no one is entirely sure) which opens today with white-knuckle rides for thrill seekers, traditional kids' rides, wafts of doughnuts and big cuddly toys
With Goosey, the Goose Fair goose, comfortably nesting in her usual spot, the five-day spectacular, one of Europe's largest travelling fairs, will take over the Forest Recreation Ground until Sunday.
In keeping with tradition, the fair will be officially opened at noon tomorrow (Thursday) with a ceremonial ringing of the silver bells by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Coun Rosemary Healy.
More than 500 attractions await, amongst them this year's new ride Jumper Jumper and a second Big Wheel.
For thrill-seekers there are the likes of the Air, Airmaxx, AtmosFear, Bomber Mach 2, Crazy Bulls, Moondance, Mouse Coasters, Reverse Bungee, Rock Rage, Sea Storm and Star Flyer.
Along with them are plenty of old favourites such as the dodgems, Dragon Coaster, ghost trains, Matterhorns, Miamis, Sizzler Twists, Superbowls, Super Spins, Super Stars, waltzers and funhouses.
Real traditionalists can enjoy the cake walk, gallopers (carousels), helter skelters and rotors.
And if all that sounds just too much, try the hook-a-duck and other popular stalls with big cuddly toys for prizes.
For those who want to soak up the atmosphere and eat their way around there's all the usual funfair food of mushy peas and mint sauce, burgers, hotdogs, candy floss and brandy snaps and new this year is Tastes of Transylvania, selling a delicious Hungarian chimney cakes.
Even Nottingham’s most famous outlaw has decided to come out of hiding for this major event in the city. Robin Hood will be joining the crowds on Saturday and Sunday between 2-5pm to promote the upcoming Robin Hood Pageant. Grab him for a quick Goose Fair selfie!
"Goose Fair really signals the beginning of autumn," said Coun Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and localities at Nottingham City Council. "
"I know it’s a must-attend event for most of the city and way beyond as we welcome thousands to one of Europe’s biggest fairs.
"Like them, I can’t wait to get down to the Forest Recreation Ground and use my money-off discount vouchers to enjoy some of the breath-taking rides. After that, I look forward to sampling some of the traditional fair food. I hope everybody has a safe and fun day out at this huge date in the city’s events calendar.”
As always, admission to the ground is free.
Discount vouchers worth £20 will be printed in the Nottingham Post today. They are also available online.
Opening times
Wednesday: 5.30pm to 11pm
Thursday: noon to 11pm
Friday: 11am to 11.30pm
Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Sunday: 1pm to 9pm
Parking
There is no parking at the site except for blue badge holders which costs £7.
The Forest Recreation Ground is easily accessible by bus or tram. There will also be buses from Queen’s Drive Park and Ride.
