Goose Fair: Everything you need to know about one of Europe’s biggest funfairs

The modern Goose Fair is all about the rides.

One of Europe’s biggest funfairs gets underway tomorrow (Wednesday October 5) as the Goose Fair returns to the Forest Recreation Ground.

Nearly half a million people now attend the fair spread over five days with over 500 attractions on offer for people of all ages.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s instalment of the historical fair.

What are the opening times?

  • Wednesday (October 5): 5.30pm-11pm
  • Thursday: 12pm-11pm
  • Friday: 11am-11.30pm
  • Saturday: 11am-11pm
  • Sunday: 1pm-9pm

How much does it cost to get in?

Admission to the ground is free.

How do I get to the Forest Recreation Ground?

By tram: You can travel to the fair by tram from one of the seven park and ride sites serving the tram with the £5 group ticket on offer after 4pm (for two adults and up to three children).

Alternatively, you can plan your journey by clicking here.

By bus: There are frequent bus services from around the city. If you park at Queen’s Drive park and ride, travel to the fair is just £6 per carload with £4.50 grouprider available for two adults and up to three children.

Alternatively, you can plan your journey by clicking here.

By car: Nottingham City Council advise using one of the park and ride services and travelling to the fair by either tram or bus.

By train: From Nottingham Station, get onto a tram heading towards Phoenix Park or Hucknall at Nottingham Station. Get off at the Forest Recreation Ground. All returning trams back towards Clifton or Toton Lane stop at Nottingham Station.

Nottingham City Council have advised against cycling to the event as cycle parking will not be available for this event.

What attractions are on offer?

The Forest Recreation Ground will host the latest white knuckle experiences, family rides and the old favourites including waltzers, carousels and Hook-a-Duck.

Other rides that have proved very popular in recent years are rides like Air, Airmaxx, AtmosFear, Bomber Mach 2, Crazy Bulls, the Giant Wheel, Moondance, Mouse coasters, Reverse Bungee, Rock Rage, Sea Storm and Star Flyer.

Dodgems, Dragon Coaster, Extremes, Freakouts, Frogs, Ghost Trains, Matterhorns, Miamis, Sizzler Twists, Superbowls, Super Spins, Super Stars, as well as Waltzers and Funhouses will also be available.

For the traditionalists there are the Cake Walk, Gallopers (carousels), Helter Skelters and Rotors.

The Super Skid also returns; numerous games of skill are on offer to, including darts, hook a duck, hooplas and cranes (grabbers).

How much will the rides cost?

In 2015 most rides cost between £1.50 to £5 with the majority being charged at between £2 and £3.

Specialised rides charged between £4 and £6 with children’s rides costing between £1 and £2.

What food will be available?

The traditional Goose Fair food of mushy peas and mint sauce, candy floss and brandy snaps will be available.

Visitors will also be able to eat their way around the world with chestnuts and doughnuts to food from the Caribbean, Chinese noodles, Indian kebabs, Spanish churros, paella and French crepes.