| Where: | Ovingham, Northumberland on the Green (by the Packhorse Bridge) |
| When: | 3rd Saturday in June |
| Time: | From 11.45 for 12 noon until 4.30 pm |
Ovingham Goose Fair is a typical village fete with booths, entertainments, rides and stalls – and a goose (usually this is a person in costume but occasionally real birds are there too). It traditionally rains at some point but the organisers are well prepared and the various acts have the protection of a marquee, which also acts as a preventive talisman against inclement weather. The event begins with a parade from the green next to the Packhorse Bridge in the village, and once inside the fair grounds a wordy proclamation is read out declaring the fair open. Expect Northumbrian pipers, singing, dancing, lots of trade and craft stalls, children’s entertainments and more.
Helpful Hints
In 2027 it should be on Saturday June 26th- follow the links below for full details and timings. In 2026 admission was £3- wristbands are available in advance locally, or you can pay at the gate. It started slightly early in 2026 so get there in plenty of time if you want to hear the Proclamation read out.
Try the traditional Northumbrian Singin’ Hinnies which are a staple of the fair – they’re probably the best you’ll ever taste.
In 2014 – 2018 the fair was cancelled owing to the field being used by contractors for the repairs to Ovingham Bridge but it returned in 2019…then covid led to further cancellations.
The procession route was shortened in 2019 and kept off the main road, starting by the Packhorse Bridge and with the Proclamation being read from the stage on the Green rather than the old bridge as in the past.
Parking for the event is available at the Middle School for £2 suggested donation (west side of the village).
Click here for the event website : http://www.ovinghamgoosefair.org.uk/
and here for the Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/Ovingham-Goose-Fair-115104031486871
The Olympic Torch Relay goes through Prudhoe on the same day starting at 13.57 so given anyone wanting to see this would have to get there early it means they cannot see BOTH the proclamation and the Torch. Why not start the fair a bit later?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment – I agree that it seems a shame that it will be impossible to see both the proclamation and the Torch Relay. However, I’m not involved with the organisation of the Goose Fair – I suggest you get in touch with them by emailing
bookgf@googlemail.com
There may still be time to get it changed just for once – it will probably be many years before an Olympic Torch passes through Tynedale again and the Gooose Fair may be less well attended than usual if everyone goes to see the Torch.
Good luck!
Averil