Tavistock’s popular historic goose fair has been declared a fly-away success after higher than usual numbers flocked to the street event.

Thousands packed the town centre yesterday (October 14)soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, some looking for bargains among the 200 stalls selling anything from fast food to clothes, others merely socialising and the young seeking thrills on the funfair big wheel which towered over the stone turreted town hall.

Town Mayor Cllr Anne Johnson even tried out the dodgem car rides and the Big Wheel herself, against her instinct: “It’s not my thing, going up so high. I like to keep my feet on the ground. But in the name of duty, as the mayor, I gave it a go. It was quite a novelty.

“Goose Fair has been busier than normal in recent years. It did help that the weather’s good and the earlier rain cleared up.

“I’ve met lots of happy people. It’s good to see so many young people having fun and to see families out. It’s a family event with something for all ages. Many people wait for Goose Faire to come into Tavistock from the surrounding village and farms to meet each other from the previous year.

“The council works hard to keep it vibrant and new, updating attractions as we go along.”

Dave Page and Martin Swan, Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response volunteers, helped the town council with road closures, traffic and pedestrian safety and communications.

Dave, a construction industry delivery truck driver, said: “Me and the 16 other volunteers are well known for helping people stuck in snow drifts in the winter. But we also help in our spare time throughout the year with events such as Goose Fair. We’re in partnership with St Joh Ambulance and on behalf of Tavistock Town Council.

“I find it very rewarding helping the community stay safe while everyone enjoys themselves.”

A bird's eye view of Tavistock Goose Fair looking down to Bedford Square and along Plymouth Road with busy streets of visitors.
A bird's eye view of Tavistock Goose Fair looking down to Bedford Square and along Plymouth Road with busy streets of visitors. (Tavistock Town Council)
An aerial view of Tavistock Goose Fair funfair rides in Bedford Square.
An aerial view of Tavistock Goose Fair funfair rides in Bedford Square. (Tavistock Town Council)
Tavistock Goose Fair funfair big wheel and roundabout bringing joy to youngsters.
Tavistock Goose Fair funfair big wheel and roundabout bringing joy to youngsters. (Iliffe Media)
A bumpy, but fun ride at the fairground at Tavistock Goose Fair.
A bumpy, but fun ride at the fairground at Tavistock Goose Fair. (Iliffe Media)

Evelyn Gray, 5, having her hair braided her favourite pink and purple at Tavistock Goose Fair.
Evelyn Gray, 5, having her hair braided her favourite pink and purple at Tavistock Goose Fair. (Iliffe Media)
Your safety in their hands: Dave Page (left) and Martin Swan, Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response volunteers keeping an eye open at Tavistock Goose Fair.
Your safety in their hands: Dave Page (left) and Martin Swan, Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response volunteers keeping an eye open at Tavistock Goose Fair. (Iliffe Media)
Arthur Langdon, 4, jumps for joy on a fairground ride next to Tavistock Library at Tavistock Goose Fair.
Arthur Langdon, 4, jumps for joy on a fairground ride next to Tavistock Library at Tavistock Goose Fair. (Iliffe Media)
An army of St John Ambulance volunteers helped keep hundreds of Tavistock Goose Fair visitors safe and well.
An army of St John Ambulance volunteers helped keep hundreds of Tavistock Goose Fair visitors safe and well. (Iliffe Media)
Ralph Catley (owner of Catleys Chilled Foods), one of the longest Tavistock Goose Fair traders, since 1978. He and his sons Taran, Aaron and Troy sell fresh meat, cheese and pies. He said: "We'd never miss Goosey Fair, even when it was cancelled in covid we came, but it was definitely cancelled."
Ralph Catley (owner of Catleys Chilled Foods), one of the longest Tavistock Goose Fair traders, since 1978. He and his sons Taran, Aaron and Troy sell fresh meat, cheese and pies. He said: "We'd never miss Goosey Fair, even when it was cancelled in covid we came, but it was definitely cancelled." (Iliffe Media)
A helium balloon seller making a colourful splash at Tavistock Goose Fair.
A helium balloon seller making a colourful splash at Tavistock Goose Fair. (Iliffe Media)
All the fun of the fair at the official opening of David Rowland & Sons Funfairs for Tavistock Goose Fair. Pictured: Back; Nicola Jenkins, Cllr Chris Edmonds (West Devon Mayor), Alan Jenkins, Rosemary and David Turner (town crier and consort). Seated; Cllr Laura Bird (Okehampton Deputy Mayor), Cllr Anne Johnson, Tavistock Mayor.
All the fun of the fair at the official opening of Rowland & Sons Funfairs for Tavistock Goose Fair. Pictured: Back; Nicola Jenkins, Cllr Chris Edmonds (West Devon Mayor), Alan Jenkins, Rosemary and David Turner (town crier and consort). Seated; Cllr Laura Bird (Okehampton Deputy Mayor), Cllr Anne Johnson, Tavistock Mayor. (Iliffe Media)