Hope to boost crowds for Goose Fair tradition

Goose Fair officials hope more people will take the opportunity to witness the event's traditional opening this year.

The fair, which dates back more than 700 years, returns to the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham from Friday at 12:00 BST and will run until 4 October.

This year's opening ceremony, which features the ringing of two silver bells, will take place on Friday.

James Mellors, operations director of the Mellors Group, which helps co-ordinate the fair, said: "It was massively attended back in the day. I think the tradition has been lost a little with this generation, and we're trying to get involved with the local community more by having the opening day back on the Friday."

David Mellen, executive member for leisure, culture and tourism at the city council, said ringing the bells was a tradition that continued during lockdown in 2020.

He added: "Even during Covid when the fair didn't happen we did it in the Market Square rather than at the Forest Recreation Ground. It's very important for the people of Nottingham."

Work to construct the rides at Goose Fair takes about a week, with large lorries and trailers arriving on site under the cover of darkness.

Mellors said: "You just see the calm of this car park, and all of a sudden there are flashing lights, big lorries moving and cranes starting to operate.

"It happens every year, but you're reminded just how compact the site is."

Along with rides for thrill-seekers, Goose Fair also features the Cake Walk – the only ride still operating that featured when the fair was held in Nottingham's Old Market Square in 1927.

Two sessions on both Sundays of the fair, from 12:00 to 13:00, will allow children and people with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy the fair without the loud noises and bright lights.

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.