It's a BIG October in Nottingham!

The nights are drawing in and there’s a chill as October has landed on our doorstep! Nottingham isn’t settling in for hibernation yet though- there’s so much to do this month that we’ve christened it Big October! October brings the biggest event of the year – the Goose Fair! It’s back at Forest Recreation Ground this weekend. The biggest travelling fair in Europe has been visiting Nottingham since 1285 and it’s an unmissable day or night out for the whole family, with thrilling white knuckle rides, fun and activities for kids, delicious foods from around the world, and a fantastic atmosphere. Look out for the leaflets in Nottingham Tourist Information Centre on Smithy Row, and around the city, which will give you £2 off in ride vouchers! There is such a thing as a free lunch in Nottingham this Big October! Come along to the Old Market Square on Saturday 4 Oct for Feeding the 5000, an event to highlight the issue of food waste by making a lunch from food that would otherwise have been wasted. Join us for food and cooking demonstrations too, where you can learn how to make your own cheese, how to compost, and how to cook frugally and reduce your food shopping bill. Nottingham Festival of Words kicks off on 13 October with a host of free events around the city to celebrate reading, writing, and the spoken word – don’t miss out on Will Self in conversation at Nottingham Trent University on Saturday 18 October. There’s so much going on for kids in the city this half term – don’t miss GAMECITY9, Europe’s biggest and best loved videogames festival! It runs from 25 October to 1 November and the events are completely free! Nottingham Castle is getting involved too – there’s FREE entry on 1 November as part of the exciting Sheriff’s Gauntlet challenge! Families shouldn’t miss the Robin Hood Pageant, taking place 25-26 October at Nottingham Castle. The Castle will be transformed back into a medieval encampment with re-enactments, jousting, falconry, combat displays, and more. For the first time ever this year, watch a thrilling Night Joust too! A family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is just £20, and under 4s go free! There’s lots on at Lakeside Arts Centre too this half-term. Highfields Park is a great place to visit, with a large playground and a boating lake, plus the beautiful walk around the lake. Kids can take part in the free Big Draw: Shadow Monsters (booking recommended) on Wednesday 29 October. Artist Kate Edwards will be in residence in the Performing Arts Studio all day and children will be given the chance to make strange shadowy figures with dressing up clothes, cardboard boxes and torches. Will your monster be scary, ferocious or kind? Don’t miss the chance to carve a spooky jack-o’-lantern too – it’s just £2 to take part on October 30 or October 31. Find out more information about Big October. For more October events around the county visit our What’s on guide.