Ovingham Goose Festival over the years

The fair dates back to Ovingham in the 13th Century where it belonged to the Umfraville family and used to have a weekly market as well as an annual fair on St Andrew's Day, which was November 13.

In 1471, the Earls (later Dukes) of Northumberland became Lords of the Manor and held the rights of the fair but in 1826 the fair was for the sale of cattle and business and was preceded by a procession which was called “Riding the Bounds”.

Historical references in the mid-19th century refer to the demise of the cattle fair - and of it “degenerating” into a mere amusement for children - but a fair selling geese was still being held on the village green in the 1840s. It is not known when the fair ceased.

In 1969, the Reading Room Committee, headed by Gladys Mills, Alan Edgar and Douglas Mennear formally applied to the Duke of Northumberland to reinstate the fair and permission was granted.

Children in a parade for Ovingham Goose Fair in 1967

The fair in June 1976.

Cooking singing hinnies From left, Kath Hives, Val Mennear, Jonathan Hives, Gavin Aldridge, Tanya Mennear, Anne Aldridge and Doreen Hirst at the fair in 1984.

Ovingham Goose Fair Parade in June 1988.

The famous Goose at Ovingham Goose Fair in 2013.

Residents in costumes at Ovingham Goose Fair in 2014

Entertainment at the Goose Fair in 2018

Morris Dancers at the 50th Ovingham Goose Festival 2019