The story behind the lights
Goose Fair is part of Nottingham's long public history. Some origins are debated; the milestones below are tied to published local sources.
Visit Nottinghamshire says Goose Fair has been staged in Nottingham since at least 1284. The early charter is evidence of city fairs, though it does not prove the modern event has run unchanged or without interruption.
Read the event historyNottinghamshire Heritage Gateway records 1927 as the last year Goose Fair was held in Old Market Square, and the last year livestock was sold there.
Read the local historyNottingham City Council's Forest Recreation Ground history records the fair's move from Market Square to the Forest in 1928. The relocation helped shape the event visitors know today.
See the council historyThe living tradition
Plan a visit to this year's fair and see the setting for yourself.
