Goose Fair returns

Tavistock is gearing up for the return of its iconic Goose Fair, which will take place on Wednesday 9 October.

The annual event, dating back to the early 12th century, is a cherished tradition in the town, drawing thousands of visitors for a day of festivities, market stalls, and fairground rides.

The Goose Fair originally began as a Michaelmas Fair held every 29 September, serving as an important occasion for business, animal trading, and a social gathering for local families.

The name is thought to have come from farmers bringing their geese to market for fattening in the lead-up to Christmas. Though the event’s date shifted in 1752 due to the introduction of the new calendar, the tradition continues strong on the second Wednesday of October each year.

This year, over 200 market stalls will fill Tavistock’s town centre, with traders from across the country selling an array of goods. In addition to the markets, Bedford Car Park will host a selection of fairground rides and sideshows provided by members of the Showman’s Guild. The car park will be closed for the duration of Goose Fair week.

To manage traffic, a clearly signposted one-way system will be in operation, starting from 5:30pm on Tuesday 8 October and running until 7am on Thursday 10 October.

Several roads will be closed to traffic during this time, including Plymouth Road (from Drake’s Statue to Bedford Square), Abbey Bridge, Russell Street, and others. For detailed information, visitors are advised to check the one.network interactive map.

As usual, some car parks will be closed during the event:

• Bedford Car Park will be closed from Saturday 5 October until 6pm on Sunday 13 October for the fairground rides.
• Chapel Street Car Park will be closed from 5pm Tuesday 8 October until 8am Thursday 10 October.
• Guildhall Car Park will be closed from 4pm Monday 7 October until 8am Thursday 10 October.
• Riverside Car Park will be closed from 5pm Tuesday 8 October until 8am Thursday 10 October (with limited space available for permit holders and traders).
• Russell Street Car Park will be closed from 4:30pm Tuesday 8 October until 8am Thursday 10 October.
• Wharf Car Park will be closed from 5pm Tuesday 8 October until 8am Thursday 10 October.

Bank Street and Brook Street car parks will remain open, while the Abbey Car Park will be reserved exclusively for blue badge holders.

Temporary taxi ranks will be set up on Duke Street and West Street, with the Bedford Square taxi rank being closed during the event.

A Park and Ride service will also be available from Yelverton, Gulworthy Camping & Holiday Park, and Whitchurch Down, with some buses offering easy access for disabled passengers.

Parking for coaches and cars will be available at Tavistock College and Tavistock Football Club, located a short walk from the event.