Nottingham Goose Fair 2026 opens as updated map reveals where all the rides are

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the popular annual event over the next 10 days

The city’s famous Goose Fair opened at 12pm on Friday (September 25), with the traditional ringing of the bells by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham marking the start of the annual event.

A new map has also been released showing where the rides, attractions and showmen can be found across the Forest Recreation Ground site.

This year’s opening ceremony was slightly different, with the traditional event not taking place on the Giant Wheel.

Instead, the Lord Mayor’s bell-ringing ceremony has taken place on a special stage near Holland’s Waltzer, close to the Noel Street tram stop.

Djanogly City Academy Choir gave a performance at the ceremony and seventh generation showman Sheldon Chadwick also gave a reading

The fair will remain at The Forest until Sunday, October 4.

The fair will be open at the following times:

• Friday, September 25: 12pm-11pm
• Saturday, September 26: 12pm-11pm
• Sunday, September 27: 12pm-9pm
• Monday, September 28: 4pm-10.30pm
• Tuesday, September 29: 4pm-10.30pm
• Wednesday, September 30: 4pm-10.30pm
• Thursday, October 1: 4pm-10.30pm
• Friday, October 2: 4pm-11pm
• Saturday, October 3: 12pm-11pm
• Sunday, October 4: 12pm-9pm

There will also be two SEND sessions, with rides operating with reduced sound and lighting from 12pm to 1pm on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4.