TAVISTOCK’S historical and popular Goose Fair has been cancelled, for the first time in living memory.

The news that the 2020 fair would be cancelled was heard by members of Tavistock Town Council on Wednesday when the town council’s general manager Wayne Southall said that social distancing would be impossible to maintain.

Goose Fair, which dates back to the early 12th century, is traditionally held on the second Wednesday of October each year and is one of the most popular dates in Tavistock’s calendar. It is an attraction for people of all ages from all over the country who want to take in the many stalls and side shows — and rides — in the centre of Tavistock.

In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and following careful consideration regarding the safety of the local community, exhibitors and visitors, Tavistock Town Council made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Goose Fair event scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 14.

Mr Southall told councillors: ‘One of the main concerns is that we have always taken the approach that Goose Fair absolutely needs to be a cost neutral activity to the council and any measures that we would put in place this year would almost certainly mean that the council will be operating at a loss. The trader availability would not be achievable to generate that income.

‘The controls that will need to be put in place to try and operate at Goose Fair in a safe manner for social distancing in its current layout is almost impossible with social distancing implications.’

Cllr Mandy Ewings said that she was glad the council had taken a decision regarding Goose Fair this year: ‘I think there was optimism that we would be able to do this but I think pragmatically it would never have been able to happen. Even with social distancing at a metre on the fair you’re lucky if you get 10cm between people.’

The event which attracts in the region of 20,000 visitors at any one time has run in the heart of the historic market town since the early 12th century.

Tavistock mayor, councillor Anne Johnson said: ‘The town council has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Goose Fair to ensure the safety of our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. I know some people will be disappointed, but they can look forward to Goose Fair 2021 when we hope to deliver a revitalised event in what we very much hope will be better and safer times.’