Goose Fair preparing to fly into town

One of Tavistock’s biggest and most eagerly anticipated days of the year is flying into town next month with the annual Goose Fair expected to draw in hundreds of eager shoppers.

From early morning until the evening, Plymouth Road and Bedford Square and side roads will be filled with about 200 stalls, shopping, food, entertainment and plenty to see and do on Wednesday, October 14, 9am–9pm in Tavistock town centre.

Visitors are invited to wander through the fair and browse a wide variety of stalls selling local food and drink, craft, gifts, clothing, accessories and homeware.

​The major street event, closed to traffic, dates back to the early twelfth century, when Michaelmas Fair was staged in September for farmers to trade their animals, also acting as a much anticipated social event for wives and daughters.

The name Goose Fair originates from when farmers brought their geese to market ready for Christmas fattening. When the new national calendar was introduced in 1752 the 'loss' of 11 days changed the date of the Michaelmas Fair to October 10 and now the fair is held on the second Wednesday in October.

Beyond this year’s Goose Fair stalls, Tavistock Pannier Market will open and Butchers’ Hall hosts its own Goose Fair market, showcasing artists. A range of high street businesses will also be open.

No Goose Fair would be complete without the fun fair opening for a week in Bedford car park.

Local entertainers will also be performing on stage at Castlebridge School, on Plymouth Road, throughout the day, followed by an Abba tribute show from 7pm.

Car parks and on-street parking will be significantly reduced on Goose Fair day, so a park and ride shuttle service is being offered by Stagecoach and Tamar Coaches from Gulworthy, Whitchurch Down and Yelverton.

Details of the parking and transport details for Tavistock Goose Fair at Tavistock Town Council website can be found at this link: https://www.tavistock.gov.uk/council-services/goose-fair/accessibility