A big wheel has gone up in Tavistock’s town square in and yellow road diversion and parking restriction signs have sprouted up throughout the town as excitement builds for tomorrow’s (October 14) Tavistock Goose Fair.

There may be no geese expected at this year’s annual historic fair, but it is one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar and the centre will be packed with hundreds of visitors from throughout the region enjoying the 200 trade stalls and fairground rides.

The streets will be closed to traffic while the air will be filled with the sound of tradesmen plying their wares, the smell of hot street food and screams of delight from those on the rides.

The fair is also a social occasion for many farming families, as has been the case for centuries.

The fair dates from 1160, by royal charter, and is one of only three remaining in the country. It evolved from a livestock and goose-trading market where farmers brought their poultry, sometimes waddling along the road in large numbers, to be fattened for Christmas.

The following roads and associated car parks will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm today (Tuesday) until 7am on Thursday (October 15): Bedford Square, Abbey Bridge and Plymouth Road (Drake Statue to the Bedford Hotel). Therefore, park and ride will operate from Yelverton, Gulworthy and Whitchurch Down.

Pop-up car parks will be offered at Tavistock College and Tavistock FC at Crowndale. Further travel information can be found on Tavistock Town Council’s website: https://www.tavistock.gov.uk/council-services/goose-fair

All the fun of the fair is promised as Tavistock Goose Fair launches tomorrow, while the giant wheel was being put up already early this morning.
All the fun of the fair is promised as Tavistock Goose Fair launches tomorrow (Wednesday, October 14). The giant wheel was being put up early this morning. (Iliffe Media)