For many the sight of geese at Tavistock Goose Fair is one of the highlights of the popular event, but this year there will not be a goose in sight.

On Wednesday, October 14, the town centre will be stuffed full of visitors and attractions from far and wide, but despite the name, the geese at the livestock market will be absent – due to avian flu – as will the Rotary Club geese.

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.

However, despite the absence of the geese the event is billed as not to be missed, town mayor Cllr Anne Johnson said: “Goose Fair is a wonderful fun day for the family. It is an important occasion in the Tavistock calendar with many people, especially from rural communities, using it to socialise, as it has been for hundreds of years.”

This year sees the return after an absence of the fun fair big wheel in Guildhall car park and a stage at Castlebridge School, which will feature live acts. The fair in the Bedford car park is as ever set to be a big draw for youngsters.

There are expected to be about 200 market stalls on Bedford Square, Abbey Bridge and Plymouth Road (Drake Statue to the Bedford Hotel). These roads and car parks will all be closed to traffic from 5.30pm on Tuesday, October 13 until 7am on Thursday, October 15, so a 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

Cartoon balloons attract the young at Tavistock Goose Fair.
Cartoon balloons attract the young at a previous Tavistock Goose Fair. (Tindle)
The only geese at Tavistock Goose Fair with handler Ray Stenning at the Rotary Club stand.
The only geese at Tavistock Goose Fair in 2024 with handler Ray Stenning at the Rotary Club stand. But this year there will be no birds. (Tindle)

Tavistock Goose Fair will not have any guest geese this year, but remains a feather in the cap of the town with about 20,000 visitors expected.
Tavistock Goose Fair will not have any guest geese this year, but remains a feather in the cap of the town with about 20,000 visitors expected. Pictured is a historic goose fair, from Gerry Woodcock’s Tavistock’s Yesterdays’ (Gerry Woodcock, from ‘Tavistock’s Yesterdays’)