Tavistock Goose Fair - Cattle Market Open Day

Tavistock has held an annual Goose Fair dating back to the early 12th century.  In those days the then Michaelmas fair was held every September 29th allowing the trading of livestock as well as a social event.   The name goose fair is likely to have come from the trading of geese which were later fattened for Christmas.  Nottingham also holds a goose fair with similar origins. 

Over the years the fair has developed into to what we have today with traders travelling from far and wide to sell to the public.

These day the trading of livestock has taken virtually ceased on the day itself.  Up until relatively recently the Goose Fair cattle sale was held on Goose Fair day itself.  Due to the pressure of traffic and parking the only livestock still sold on the day are geese and poultry.

In an attempt to try and bring back the more traditional side of Goose Fair an open day is now held annually at Tavistock Livestock Centre on Goose Fair day.  Attractions include cattle, sheep and ponies as well as demonstrations and exhibits with vary from sheep shearing to vintage machinery.  The traditional live Geese and Poultry auction takes place at 2pm. 

A variety of local trade stands will be in attendance selling food, drink and local crafts.

The Livestock Market will be open from 10am-4pm and admission is free.

PRESS RELEASE   

The organisers of the Tavistock Livestock Centre open day are looking to build on the highly successful open day in previous years.  In 2011 the Cattle market was packed with visitors who were entertained with live geese and poultry auction, livestock, demonstrations and exhibits as well as stalls selling local produce and crafts. 

The open day, which has become an annual event, has seen visitor number increase dramatically since it began in 2007 with estamates over 800 visitors in 2011.  

Anyone who is interested in having a stalls selling local produce or crafts in 2012 should contact the market office on 01822 610080.