Tavistock Goose Fair 2025 draws crowds for a celebration of tradition and community

The centre of Tavistock was lively on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, as visitors gathered for the return of the town’s annual Goose Fair.

Featuring nearly 200 stalls and fairground rides, the centuries-old event demonstrated why it continues to be one of Devon’s most well-loved traditions.

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ABOVE: 'The Dark Side' Ride in Bedford Square (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Local traders and artisan producers contributed to the lively atmosphere, offering a wide range of goods, from handmade crafts to gourmet food.

Flapjackery, who originated in Tavistock and still have a shop on the high street, told The Moorlander: “Goose Fair has been a real opportunity to get people excited about what we do and spread the message about the different sets we do, but today is all about Tavistock having people really excited and having a lovely time”

ABOVE: Flapjackery (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Dartmoor Whisky, who are based in the old Town Hall in Bovey Tracey said: “We do a lot of events but this is our third year at Goose Fair, We currently have three different locally distilled expressions of single malt whisky available for people to taste and purchase.”

ABOVE: Dartmoor Whisky (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Community groups and charities also played their part, using the opportunity to raise funds and awareness.

Tavistock Lions Rotary Club explained their yearly tradition of the ‘Guess the weight of the Geese’ game which always proves popular: “We raise money for a local charity every year, this year we have gone for the Devon Air Ambulance, and a local farmer has loaned us two geese for people to try and guess the weight for a prize of £40. There are no other costs and whatever comes in all goes to Devon Air Ambulance.”

ABOVE: Tavistock Lions Rotary Club (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Dating back to the early 12th century, the Tavistock Goose Fair began as a Michaelmas Fair held every 29th September, where farmers brought their geese to market ready for fattening before Christmas. 

When the new calendar was introduced in 1752, the loss of eleven days shifted the fair into October, and since then it has been held on the second Wednesday of the month. 

One local resident told The Moorlander: “I’ve been coming to Goose Fair for over 25 years and I think it’s an amazing showcase for Tavistock as a town and for local businesses to get their name out there, just a shame the weather is always overcast, true Tavistock weather!”

Another added: “This is my first time back at Goose Fair after being away at university for three years and it really brings me back to my childhood, very nostalgic! I do wish there were less food stalls as they seem to dominate the town this year.”

The Bedford Car Park fairground, organised by West Devon Borough Council, was officially opened on Tuesday evening (7th October) by the Mayor of Tavistock at the Dodgems. 

ABOVE: The Bedford Car Park fairground (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

From there, the festivities will roll through to Saturday night, with families and visitors enjoying rides, sideshows and evening lights. 

As tradition dictates, the clean-up began in the early hours of Thursday (October 9) morning, with waste teams from West Devon Borough Council working through the night to have the streets spotless by sunrise.

From its medieval origins to its modern-day celebration, Tavistock Goose Fair 2025 once again showcased everything that makes the town special, with its heritage, hospitality and local community.