Nottingham Goose Fair

ori-STUDFARM · October 03, 2009, 02:07:54 PM

Goose Fair used to be one of the biggest fairs in Europe and is thought to be over 700 years old. Nobody knows exactly how old the fair is or how it came to be known as Goose Fair. It is commonly believed that the name originates from the Lincolnshire farmers who used to march their Geese by the hundreds across to Nottingham for trading at the fair back in the days of old. (when it was a trades fair and not theme park rides and games type of fair).

Goose Fair isn't just one fair you see. It's a massive gathering of lots of smaller fairs all converging on Nottingham from thier travels around the UK for one weekend every October. It doesn't seem as big as when I was a kid. Maybe because it is now spread over 4 days and not 2 and hence, less busy with pedestrians. Maybe just because I've grown up a lot. But I suspect that there are actually less genuine traveling fair persons. There's certainly a massive drop in the ammount of Gypsy Rose Lee's relatives camped just outside of the fair offering to read your fortune. And I could only find two stalls selling the traditional "Cock-On-A-Stick"!! But Brandy Snaps were a plenty!! :) Something else I noticed that was missing that had always been thier as far back as I remember. The so called "freak" shows. Worlds Smallest Man, Worlds Hairiest Lady, and the like. Even the boxing tent has gone now.....
I did find a "Believe It Or Not" show that promised Siamese Monkeys and the 2 tailed squirrel. I got duped into this one a few years back. Yes they show you them...using the media of photo's and sometimes, hand drawings!! :lol:

Here's some of pics from earlier tonight

As you can see. I'm not much of a photographer! But some turned out okay!

moyer777 · October 03, 2009, 10:40:39 PM

Very fun! Thank you!

Bromptonboy · October 05, 2009, 04:14:08 AM

Looks like a blast

CMOHamm · October 06, 2009, 04:44:41 AM

ANT WHEEL? lol

ori-STUDFARM · October 06, 2009, 11:17:25 AM

If you didn't know, my real name is actually Antony, so that made me laugh too! :D

CMOHamm · October 07, 2009, 04:25:30 AM

LOL!!! Anthony Wheel!!!!

ori-STUDFARM · October 07, 2009, 12:22:34 PM

I had to take a few shots of the Big Wheel to try and get one with the lights all lit up.The shot came out better than I thought it would. It was still fairly light when that was taken!

ChadH · October 07, 2009, 12:39:37 PM

Some very nice photos there. I especially like the one of the Merry-Go-Rounds and the Ferris Wheel in the background. :)

ori-STUDFARM · October 07, 2009, 12:45:12 PM

TBH there are very few decent vantage points to take pictures from. All the high ground is covered with trees that are still thick with foliage! I think my favourite is the first shot and the one you mention. What is it about Big Wheels that seems to make a photo? :)