Record visitors at Nottingham’s Goose Fair despite tram strikes as official numbers revealed

The good weather helped to boost numbers too

This year’s Nottingham Goose Fair has been the most attended in its history despite two weekends of tram strikes.

The chairman of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Showmen’s Guild said the turnout from the public had been “unbelievable” with visitors using alternative means to get to the much-loved fairground — and the unseasonably warm weather helped too.

William Percival said: “We were amazed because the trams being on strike didn’t affect us at all. Everybody I spoke to was over the moon with it. It was one of the best Goose Fairs we’ve had.

“It’s a thing they do every year to hold us to ransom but it didn’t work.”

Official figures were released as the annual event closed following a 10-day run, from September 25 to October 4.

Despite NET tram drivers striking over a pay dispute, the historic funfair on Forest Recreation Ground attracted an estimated 586,356 visitors — the figures taken by stewards with a counter on each gate.

Mr Percival said the showmen had been worried by the prospect of the four-day tram strike but it didn’t deter visitors and extra buses being put on solved the problem.

“Extra buses were put on, which we were very grateful for, and on Saturday (October 3) we had record crowds of people there. My daughter said she’d never seen so many people there.

“What annoys us is the people who went on strike were trying to affect NET but they were also affecting the public of Nottingham and they were also affecting the showmen, so it didn’t go down very well.”

According to Nottingham City Council attendance was 18 per cent up on last year and seven per cent higher than 2022, when the fair returned following a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The busiest day was Saturday, October 3, with 126,139 attendees. Hailed “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.

Showman, Peter Yates, of Crow Events said: “This is my second year here. We were busier compared to last year. Everyone says there’s been a lot more people than last year.”

Councillor David Mellen, executive member for leisure, culture and 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.”

Nottingham’s markets team thanked the showmen, traders and public for making it “a fantastic destination’.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Your support, enthusiasm, and hard work have helped create a vibrant atmosphere that has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors throughout the event.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people discovering and celebrating the fantastic food, drink, and goods on offer, with many food reviewers and visitors showing the area plenty of love and praise.

“Events like this would not be possible without the dedication of everyone involved, and we are incredibly grateful for the role each of you has played in making this year’s market such a success.”

NET declined to comment, but Colin Wilde, of the GMB union, said: “GMB has tried to resolve these pay talks for almost a year, but clearly tram bosses have forced Nottingham’s travelling public off the rails and into private cars.

“Strike action is always a last resort for any worker, especially during the busiest time of the year.”