Nottingham Goose Fair

It's the time of the Nottingham Goose Fair and the crowds are out to enjoy the rides, stalls and other amusements

The annual Goose Fair is upon Nottingham and the Old Market Square is crowded with men, women and children eager to experience the delights of the travelling fairgrounds. Merry-go-rounds throng with people, enormous swings reach for the sky and showmen speak enticingly about the excitements inside. The newsreel camera has beautifully captured the hustle and bustle of the event and the extravagantly decorated rides and amusements stand out even in black and white.

The fair has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a trade fair; the first mention of a Goose Fair is in 1541, but has most likely been taking place in Nottingham since the 13th century.