Nottingham's 712th Goose Fair - Pictures 2

Nottingham's Goose Fair is one of Europe's largest travelling fairs, with more than 150 rides and 450 games and exhibitions to thrill and amuse. This was the 712th fair. It's been happening for a while [like over 700 years]. The fair started on thursday, with the offical opening by the Sheriff of Nottingham, The Lord Mayor, and assorted dignitaries from the Showman's Guild etc ..... The Charter was read and the silver bells rang, signifying the official opening at 12 noon.

A Charter granted in 1284 by Edward I authorised the burgesses of Nottingham to hold a fair on the eve of the feast of St Edmund and for twelve days following. Another fair mentioned was the St Mathew's Fair held on September 21st which supposedly dates back to Anglo Saxon times. However the main fair for the people of Nottingham in terms of trade and economy was the Lenton Fair held at Lenton Priory from 1164 onwards.

In the middle ages Lenton Priory fair overshadowed the Goose Fair in size and importance, Harrisons Calendar of Fairs for 1587 mentions the Lenton Fair but not the Goose Fair. However Nottingham competed with its local rival and the arrival of over 20,000 Geese from the Fens in Lincolnshire to be sold.

Now though, there is a distinct absence of horse and livestock trading, and no geese being hearded about. It's simply a fun-fair, with rides and stuff, although it is huge.


For last years pictures of the event, check out:

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/325081.html
 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/325250.html
 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/325271.html


Previous Years

 http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=230725
 http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=233168
 http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=233182


More background to the event  http://www.nottinghamgoosefair.co.uk

Fairground Association of Great Britain  http://www.fagb.co.uk

Showman's Guild  http://www.showmensguild.com

The National Fairground Archive (University of Sheffield)  http://www.shef.ac.uk/nfa

History of the event  http://www.shef.ac.uk/nfa/history/charter/goose.php

Wikipedia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham_Goose_Fair

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ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email:  tash@gn.apc.org
Web:  http://tash.gn.apc.org
Member of the National Union of Journalists [No: 014345]
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"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
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