Tavistock Goose Fair

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Tavistock Goose Fair

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Official page for Tavistock Goose Fair. This account is not monitored 24/7 & is for info only.

The annual Goose Fair in Tavistock dates back to the early 12th Century, when a Michaelmas Fair held every September 29th provided the opportunity for business and animal trading, and was a social event for wives and daughters. The name Goose Fair probably came about as farmers brought their geese ready for fattening for Christmas, and the only other Goose Fair (in Nottingham) has a similar connection. When the new calendar was introduced in 1752 the 'loss' of 11 days changed the date of the Michaelmas Fair to October 10th, and now the Fair is held on the second Wednesday in October each year. Market traders come from all over the country to sell their wares and provide entertainment. Stalls, sideshows and fair ground rides are set up in the centre of the Town, and some 200 spaces are let by the Town Council for traders and community groups. A further 70 spaces in Bedford Car Park are let to members of the Showman's Guild by West Devon Borough Council with the car park being shut for the whole Goose Fair week.

07/10/2026

🪿 1 WEEK TO GO! 🪿

One week today, it's Goose Fair! 🎡

The anticipation is building and Tavistock is getting ready to welcome visitors from near and far for this much-loved annual tradition.

Next Wednesday, the town will be filled with:

🎡 Fairground rides and attractions
🛍️ Traders and independent businesses
🎤 Live local entertainment + ABBA Tribute Act Take a Chance on Us
🍔 Food & Drink
❤️ Community groups and organisations
🚗 Thousands of visitors
…and, of course, plenty of Goose Fair atmosphere!

Whether you've been coming for as long as you can remember or you're planning your first visit, there's something rather special about seeing Tavistock come alive for Goose Fair.

The countdown is nearly over…

📅 Wednesday 14th October 2026

🎉 ONE WEEK TO GO!

05/10/2026

Goose Fair Has Always Evolved

🎡 DID YOU KNOW? - Today's Goose Fair would look very different to the Fair your great-great-grandparents knew?

Over the years, Goose Fair has welcomed some extraordinary attractions.

There were travelling performers, musicians, peep shows, conjurers, street sellers and fairground entertainers.

By the early 20th century, steam-powered roundabouts and other fairground attractions were becoming part of the experience.

Then came cinema, electric lighting, Dodgem Cars and, later, the spectacular rides and attractions we recognise today.

The Fair has never stood still.

That's the secret of its longevity.

Each generation has brought something new to Goose Fair – while keeping the traditions of meeting up, browsing the stalls, enjoying the entertainment and spending the day together.

🪿 Different fair. Same spirit.

Join us on Wednesday, 14th October to see what’s new for 2026!

01/10/2026

A Song for Goose Fair

🎶 DID YOU KNOW? - Goose Fair has its very own song?

Over a century ago, Tavistock's Goose Fair was celebrated in song.

“Tavvystock Goozey Vair” was published in 1912, capturing the excitement of travelling across Dartmoor to join the crowds in Tavistock.

The song tells the story of people dressing in their Sunday best, travelling into town, enjoying the food and entertainment, and eventually making their way home again.

More than 100 years later, the song is still performed.

So, Goose Fair isn't just something we've inherited through photographs and history books.

It's part of Tavistock's living heritage – remembered, celebrated and passed from one generation to the next. 🪿🎶

The big question though, will any of our local entertainers be performing “Tavvystock Goozey Vair” on Wednesday, 14th October? You will need to visit the stage area at Castlebridge School to find out!

30/09/2026

🪿 2 WEEKS TO GO! 🪿

We're into the final fortnight!

In just two weeks, Goose Fair will once again bring thousands of people into Tavistock for a day of tradition, entertainment, shopping, food and fun.

And there's plenty happening beyond the fairground…

🎤 Local entertainers will be performing at Castlebridge School in the Food & Drink Zone.

🏪 Cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops throughout Tavistock will be welcoming visitors.

🚗 Local volunteers will be helping visitors get into town through the Park & Ride.

⚽ Local organisations will be opening their spaces for parking.

🎡 And the travelling showmen will be back, continuing a tradition of entertaining generations of Goose Fair visitors.

It takes a whole community to make Goose Fair what it is – and that's what makes it so special. ❤️

📅 Wednesday 14th October 2026, 9am – 9pm

Only 2 weeks to go!

26/09/2026

The Railway Comes to Goose Fair

🚂 DID YOU KNOW? - The railway changed Goose Fair forever?

When the railway reached Tavistock in 1859, it suddenly became much easier for people from further afield to visit the Fair.

By the 1860s, it was estimated that around 2,000 people were travelling from Plymouth alone by train for Goose Fair.

By the 1890s, visitor numbers were estimated at 6,000 – 7,000, with perhaps half arriving by train.

Imagine the sight, trains bringing crowds into Tavistock for a day of shopping, livestock trading, entertainment and a good old-fashioned day out!

Transport has changed since then, but the tradition of travelling to Tavistock for Goose Fair continues with visitors estimated to be in the region on 20k.

Then it was steam trains. Today it's cars, buses, bikes and Park and Ride – but the destination is still the same. 🪿

Don’t forget there will be Park and Ride sites at Yelverton, Gulworthy and Whitchurch Down on 14th October 2026!

24/09/2026

Goose Fair – Supporting Local

🪿 DID YOU KNOW? Most of our Goose Fair traders are from the West Country?

When you think of Goose Fair, you might picture the fairground, the crowds and the colourful array of stalls filling the streets of Tavistock.

But did you know that more than 70% of this year's traders come from the wider West Country region? ❤️

And over half are based within just 50 miles of Tavistock.

From small independent businesses and food producers to craftspeople, artists and traders, Goose Fair provides an opportunity for businesses from across our region to come to Tavistock and meet thousands of visitors.

It's part of what makes the day so special – bringing together our town, our local and regional businesses, and visitors from across the West Country.

So when you're browsing the stalls this October, take a look at where our traders have travelled from. You might be surprised just how many are from our own part of the country!

🪿 A centuries-old tradition, supporting today's local and regional businesses.

📅 Goose Fair 2026
📍 Tavistock
⏰ 9am – 9pm
📆 Wednesday 14th October

We look forward to welcoming you!

23/09/2026

🎡 Can you believe we're only three weeks away from Goose Fair?

For generations, people have made their way to Tavistock for this special day, and this year will be no different.

From the travelling showmen who return year after year, to local traders, community organisations, entertainers, volunteers and independent businesses, so many people play their part in making Goose Fair happen.

It's one of those days when the whole town feels different.

The streets are busy, the fairground lights are shining, music fills the air and there's always something around the next corner.

📅 Wednesday 14th October 2026, 9am – 9pm

3 weeks to go!

21/09/2026

The Fairground Comes to Town!

🎡 DID YOU KNOW? - For generations, the showmen have brought Goose Fair to life?

Long before today's spectacular rides and attractions, travelling showmen were bringing excitement to Tavistock.

Fairground families have passed their skills, businesses and traditions from generation to generation, travelling the country and returning to places where they have built a connection with the local community.

Tavistock is one of those places.

For generations of local families, Goose Fair simply wouldn't be Goose Fair without the lights, music and laughter of the travelling fairground.

And for generations of showmen, Tavistock has been part of their story too.

This October, when the fair arrives once again, we'll be continuing a tradition shared by the town and the travelling showmen who have entertained us for generations.

🎡 Our Goose Fair. Their tradition. A shared part of Tavistock's story.

Join us at Tavistock Goose Fair on Wednesday 14th October 2026

Photo courtesy of Thomas Rowland Amusements presented by Alan jenkins and son

19/09/2026

Goose Fair – A Fair for Everyone

🪿 DID YOU KNOW? - Goose Fair was once a two-day event?

In the early 19th century, Tavistock Goose Fair stretched over two days.

The first day was a more leisurely affair, attracting the town's wealthier visitors, while the second day brought thousands of farm workers, miners and people from surrounding villages into Tavistock.

Animals were bought and sold around the churchyard railings and in the markets, while Bedford Square was filled with booths, stalls, entertainers and street sellers.

So, although today's Goose Fair looks very different, the idea is remarkably familiar.

Sadly, there’s no Cattle Market Open Day this year, but you may see Tavistock’s resident geese (definitely not for sale!) in the Meadows.

Come to Tavistock, meet your friends, do some shopping, have something to eat – and enjoy the entertainment!

Some things really don't change. 🪿❤️

Tavistock Goose Fair – Wednesday, 14th October 2026

Credit to Gerry Woodcock, Tavistock Yesterdays

16/09/2026

🪿 4 WEEKS TO GO! 🪿

The countdown is officially on!

In just four weeks, Tavistock will once again come alive for one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the town's calendar.

🎡 The rides will arrive.
🛍️ The streets will fill with traders.
🎤 Live entertainment will take to the stage.
🍔 The Food & Drink Zone will be buzzing.
🚗 Visitors will make their way into town.
❤️ And Tavistock will come together to celebrate a tradition that has been part of our town for centuries.

So, who's already counting down?

📅 Wednesday 14th October 2026

Just 4 weeks to go!

Address

Tavistock
PL190AE

Telephone

+441822613529

Website

http://www.tavistock.gov.uk/council-services/goose-fair

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