Traditional Goose Fair returns in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity

Tuesday, 28 July 2026 05:30

The third Grimsdyke Goose Fair, held this year on Sunday 2nd August at Swaynes Fir Farm in Coombe Bissett.

The Goose Fair is set to deliver an unforgettable day of community spirit and fundraising in aid of Salisbury Hospice Charity.

Organised by the Butt Family, the day offers a packed schedule of activities centred around a traditional poultry auction. The annual fair creates a lively spectacle, with myriad geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl (as well as hatching eggs) finding new homes.

Amid a cacophony of squawks, clucks and honks, auctioneer Jim Butt keeps the bids flying and the audience engaged with his trademark wit and warm humour.

Beyond the poultry and deadstock auctions, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including a car boot sale, tea and cake stall run by volunteers and hospice charity staff, food vendors, trade stands, and a bouncy castle. Delicious homemade cakes, bakes, and drinks will be served throughout the day.

Over the past two years, this event has raised almost £25,000, making a huge difference to the hospice and its community. Reflecting on the event’s success, Alex Brown, Community Fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice Charity, said, “Grimsdyke Goose Fair is a truly unique event in our calendar, bringing lots of fun and feathers to the area!

"We’re so excited that the fair is back for 2026, and as always, we remain humbled by the incredible efforts of the Grimsdyke Goose Fair team – Jim, Pam, Andy, Sara and Sam, Gemma, Catherine, Liam and Helen.

"The generosity of all the volunteers and the huge support from our community is heart-warming. Events like this play a vital role in funding end-of-life and palliative care services at the hospice.”

Proceeds raised at each Goose Fair help ensure the future of Salisbury Hospice, funding free, compassionate care for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Event details:
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026
Time: 7 am sellers, 8 am car boot sale opens, 10 am livestock auction
Address: Swaynes Firs, Grimsdyke, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, SP5 5RF
Entry: £1 per person, free parking available (car boot sellers £10, vans £20)

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