Crowds begin to arrive for Nottingham's famous Goose Fair(Image: Joseph Raynor /Reach PLC)

Goose Fair gets underway for 2026 with new rides and plenty of optimism despite planned strike

by · NottinghamshireLive

The showmen are hoping for good weather and a resolution to the proposed strike action

Goose Fair has kicked off with a rousing rendition of a song from The Greatest Showman before the official ringing of the bells to open the ten-day event.

The centuries-old fair is at Forest Recreation Ground from September 25 until October 4, with exciting new rides, food from around the world and a big dose of tradition and nostalgia.

Showmen from across the country have converged with hopes of good weather, but there are concerns that planned strike action on the tram will affect both weekends of the fair.

Stanley Reeves, whose family has been attending for generations, said: "I'd like to think it won't put people off coming here. Obviously, they could take the bus. We do have a lack of parking here, which is a shame,

"It seems very unfair on the people of Nottingham for the tram drivers to be exploiting the fair once again. I get their point and why they're trying to do it, but it just seems a shame for the public.

"I would hope they call it off. Hopefully, an agreement can be reached, and it's an amicable one, and everyone can be happy."

Whilst industrial action has been called off at the 11th hour in previous years, it is understood NET staff are still planning to walk out in an ongoing dispute over pay.

The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Cheryl Bernard, rang the bells at noon to declare the fair officially open following pupils from Djanogly City Academy singing The Greatest Show.

This year's fair has 350 rides, games, and food and drink stalls, with game prices starting at £1, £3-£5 for rides, and £8+ for the bigger attractions.

William Percival, chairman of Notts and Derbyshire Showmen's Guild, promised "one of the best" ever fairs Nottingham has seen.

He said: "People this year can expect something more than they've ever had before because there are more exciting rides, rides that have never been before, a lot of aerial rides, one that's 280ft in the air. I would say it's one of the best Goose Fairs that we've ever had for a good selection of rides.

"Since we've had ten days, it's encouraged these new rides to attend. They have longer to set up and ten days to get an income from it because, as you may appreciate, most of these rides are very expensive and very expensive to move from site to site."

This year's fair has a new daily competition to find the Goose's Golden Egg hidden on site. Wherever it's found, say to the attendant, "Is this the Goose's golden egg?" to win five free ride tickets.

Check out the gallery below to see more photos from the opening of Goose Fair 2026:

Children's ride area of the Goose Fair(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Veronica Pickering, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire (right) rings the bells to officially open Goose Fair 2026(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Hundreds gather in Nottingham for the first day of Goose Fair(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
General view of Goose Fair 2026(Image: Joseph Raynor/Reach PLC)
Nicki Jenkins, corporate director for growth and development at Nottingham City Council(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Lord Mayor of Nottingham Cheryl Barnard(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Goose Fair kicked off with a rousing rendition of a song from The Greatest Showman
Town crier Tom Huggon(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Sheldon Chadwick, a seventh generation fairground showman(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
Crowds gather as the official Goose Fair opening ceremony takes place(Image: Joseph Raynor / Reach PLC)
The Djanogly City Academy choir perform at the official opening of Goose Fair 2026(Image: Joseph Raynor /Reach PLC)