Tavistock Goose Fair

Tavistock Goose Fair dates back to the early 12th century, when a Michaelmas Fair held on 29 September offered trading in business and animals and served as a social event. The name is said to come from farmers bringing geese to be fattened for Christmas, as at the Nottingham Goose Fair.

The change to the new calendar in 1752 moved the Michaelmas Fair to 10 October. It is now held on the second Wednesday in October.

Market traders from across the country sell goods and provide entertainment, with stalls and sideshows set up in the centre of the town. Tavistock Town Council lets about 200 spaces to traders and community groups, and West Devon Borough Council lets a further 70 spaces in Bedford Car Park to the Showmen's Guild; the car park is closed for the whole of Goose Fair week.

The traditional side of the fair continues at the Tavistock Livestock Centre, which usually holds an open day with cattle, sheep and Dartmoor ponies and an auction of live geese and poultry. The fair is organised by Tavistock Town Council.