Nottingham City Council and the Showmen’s Guild have finalized the schedule for the upcoming Nottingham Goose Fair at the Forest Recreation Ground. The historic event is scheduled to run for ten consecutive days, beginning on Friday, 25 September, and concluding on Sunday, 4 October. This confirmation ensures the continuation of the extended ten-day format, which has become a staple of the city’s autumnal calendar.
As one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs, the event is expected to feature more than 400 rides and attractions. The scale of the fair typically draws half a million visitors to the Forest Recreation Ground, ranging from local families to tourists from across the East Midlands. The 2026 edition aims to build on the logistical successes of previous years while addressing specific concerns raised by those living in the immediate vicinity.
Resident parking and voucher scheme expansion
To manage the logistical pressure on the Hyson Green and Forest Fields areas, Nottingham City Council is extending the temporary resident parking permit scheme. This measure is designed to prevent fairgoers from occupying residential street spaces, ensuring that those living near the Forest Recreation Ground maintain access to their properties during the peak ten-day period.
In a move to further support the local community alongside broader public health initiatives, the Showmen’s Guild is collaborating with the council to provide complimentary ride vouchers. These vouchers will be distributed to residents living in the streets closest to the site. The initiative specifically targets selected weekday evenings, offering a direct benefit to neighbors who experience the most significant impact from the fair’s noise and footfall. Detailed information regarding the distribution of these permits and vouchers will be sent directly to eligible households in the coming months.
Economic impact and regional visitor data
Recent data highlights the substantial role the Goose Fair plays in the local economy. An economic impact report following the 2025 event estimated a total consumer spend of £11.8 million over the ten-day duration. This expenditure is distributed across several sectors, with £7 million spent on rides and attractions, £3.5 million on food and drink, and £1.3 million on local transport services.
Visitor demographics show that while the fair remains a primary attraction for Nottinghamshire residents, its regional pull is growing. Approximately 83% of attendees in the previous year were from the county, while 17% traveled from the wider East Midlands and further afield. This influx of visitors provides a significant uplift for city-center businesses and transport providers during the transition into the autumn season.
Logistical planning for the ten-day event
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, emphasized the balance between maintaining tradition and respecting local residents. Having attended the fair since childhood, Khan noted that the event brings a unique energy to the city but acknowledged the necessity of mitigating the impact on the Forest area. The council is currently working with local ward councillors to address feedback regarding traffic management and noise levels.
William Percival, Chair of the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch of the Showmen’s Guild, confirmed that preparations are already underway. The Guild’s involvement is central to the operational success of the fair, managing the complex arrival and setup of hundreds of independent showmen. The 2026 event will continue to utilize the entirety of the Forest Recreation Ground, with a layout designed to accommodate high-capacity crowds while maintaining safety corridors and accessible routes for all visitors.
Source: Nottingham City Council
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