Nottingham’s Goose Fair raised £10 million despite tram strikes and bad weather as organisers say a ten-day event is more viable.
Nottingham City Council has revealed how much visitors spent at last year’s Goose Fair, with around £6 million spent on rides and attractions alone.
The event lasted 10 days, from Friday 27th September to Sunday 6th October, with 493,200 people heading to the Forest Recreation Ground over that period.
The iconic event previously only lasted for 5 days, but the last 5 day event took place in 2019.
Saturday the 5th October was the busiest day, with the event welcoming 110,442 people.
It is estimated that £1.2 million was spent on transport, £2.9 million on food and drink and £5.9 million on rides and attractions.
Data shows that 72% of attendees were from Nottinghamshire and 28% were visitors from the rest of the East Midlands and England.
William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch), said: “The Showmen’s Guild and the Council is in agreement that last year’s Goose Fair was a success once again. A ten-day fair is more viable as four days were affected due to rain, and the first day was restricted by the tram strike. The work we’re doing with the Council will improve the famous fair for everyone – the public, the Council, and the showmen.”
Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “Goose Fair’s visitor spend not only highlights its status as a major regional event but also brings a substantial economic uplift to the city. With its extended ten-day duration, the fair allows us to welcome even more visitors, driving growth in tourism, local businesses, and the wider economy. We are looking forward to working with the Showmen’s Guild again for another successful event in 2025.”
