7-metre long, 3 tonne goat was erected on the square. At midnight on New Year's Eve, the goat went up in flames. The goat has since had a history of being burnt almost every year, 2005 being the 22nd time it was burnt. Burning the goat is an illegal act and not welcomed by most citizens of Gävle, but undoubtedly this is what has made the goat famous. In 2006 the goat was covered in a flame-resistant coating to prevent arson, enabling the goat to remain standing throughout that winter. On December 27, 2015, the goat was burnt for the 28th time. In its 54-year history, the goat has been burnt down 38 times. Notable people Linn Ahlborg (born 1999) Swedish blogger and influencer Siri Andersson-Palmestav (1903–2002) writer and missionary. Anna Bartels (1869–1950), opera singer Alexandra Dahlström (born 1984) actress and film director. Thomas Di Leva (born 1963) singer and songwriter. John E. Forsgren (1816–1890) the first Mormon missionary to preach in Sweden Hans Forssell (1843–1901) historian and political writer. Åke Fridell (1919–1985) a film actor. Valborg Elisabeth Groning (1890-1970) circus princess Joe Hill (1879–1915) labour activist and songwriter Rolf Lassgård (born 1955) an actor in crime dramas. Regina Lund (born 1967) actress and singer. Åke Lundqvist (1936–2021) actor at Stockholm City Theatre Yat Malmgren (1916–2002) dancer and acting teacher at the Drama Centre London Andreas Rudman (1668–1708), pioneer Swedish American Lutheran minister. Rikard Sjöblom (born 1982), musician with Gungfly, Beardfish & Big Big Train. Cat Stevens (born 1948) musician; his mother Ingrid Wickman was from Gävle, where he lived during his childhood Joakim Sundström (born 1965) sound editor, sound designer and musician Erik Wickberg (1904–1996) former General of The Salvation Army & Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army Lars-Åke Wilhelmsson (born 1958) fashion designer and drag artist. Sports professionals Nicklas Bäckström (born 1987) ice hockey player for the Washington Capitals Christian Edstrom (born 1976) rally co-driver Anders Eklund (1957–2010) Olympic heavyweight boxer Peppe Femling (born 1992) biathlete and Olympic gold medallist Andreas Johnsson (born 1994) ice hockey player for the New Jersey Devils Calle Järnkrok (born 1991) ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs Ewa Laurance (born 1964) pool player Oskar Lindblom (born 1996) ice hockey player for the San Jose Sharks Anders Lindbäck (born 1988) ice hockey goaltender who has played for several NHL teams Elias Lindholm (born 1994) ice hockey player for the Calgary