05/10/2026
Record-breaking attendance for Goose Fair
Goose Fair has now closed for another year, with the event coming to an end at 9pm on Sunday 4 October after ten days of thrills, family fun, and traditional fairground favourites.
This year’s event has officially become the most attended Goose Fair in its history, attracting an estimated 586,356 visitors over the ten-day period. Attendance was 18% higher than last year and 7% higher than in 2022, when the fair returned following a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The busiest day was Saturday 3 October with 126,139 attendees.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors travelled to the Forest Recreation Ground to experience one of the strongest ride line-ups in recent memory. Among the headline attractions were Elevate 85, the tallest ride ever to appear at Goose Fair, and Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower, which both proved hugely popular throughout the event.
The record-breaking attendance is particularly notable given the challenges posed by four days of industrial action affecting the tram network, with no tram services operating to The Forest on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September and Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October. Despite this, visitors continued to make their way to the fair using alternative transport options, demonstrating the enduring popularity of one of the UK’s oldest and best-loved travelling fairs.
The successful event also reflects the extensive planning and partnership working that takes place each year between Nottingham City Council, the Showmen’s Guild, emergency services, and many other stakeholders to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are incredibly proud that this year’s Goose Fair has welcomed a record number of visitors. These figures demonstrate just how important the fair remains, not only as a treasured Nottingham tradition, but as a major regional attraction that brings people together from across the country.
“Despite the disruption caused by tram strikes during part of the event, people continued to come in huge numbers to enjoy everything Goose Fair has to offer. From world-class rides and family attractions to the unique atmosphere, food and heritage that make Goose Fair so special, this year’s event has been a tremendous success and we would like to thank everyone who attended, supported, and helped deliver it.”
