The Mop Fair
The annual Mop Fair returns for 2023, bringing one of the biggest and brightest street fairs in the country to the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.
This Mop has a tradition of up-to-date and exciting attractions, as well as traditional family favourites such as the 127-year-old Golden Carousel, which will be positioned again in Rother Street. Many of the attractions will be located on Bridge Street. Then the Mop is officially opened by the Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
There will be the traditional Pig Roast, on Tuesday along with the charity auction of the first slice of the roast and there will be a Vegan option.
The event has an historic tradition. The original Charter for the fair was granted by Edward VI on 28 June 1544. The event has its origins in the hiring of agricultural and domestic labour, when potential labourers would attend with a mop to signal their skills.
In the 1950s, during the prominence of railway travel, special trains were laid on to ferry people from surrounding towns and villages to and from the fair.
The use of public transport is still encouraged today, however parking is available around town for those who prefer to arrive by car.
