Street closures saw them taken over by the likes of hook a duck and the waltzer. The annual Stratford Upon Avon Mop fair, labelled one of the biggest and brightest fairs in the country, was back on the 10th and 11th of October. Seeing people from across the West Midlands and Warwickshire come together.
Since 1752 this old Michaelmas day is when the Mop fair takes place. A historical event which is tied to the seasons and the harvest rather than to the calendar. As Michaelmas day is celebrated on the 29th of September, but what is it?
Well, let us begin with what it was. Every October saw the end of the working year, which meant employment contracts for labourers, farm workers, some craftsmen, and servants ended. Mop fairs were designed to allow these individuals to gain employment for the next working year.
Employers would dress in their Sunday best and would carry a trade associated item. Servants would carry a mop head, and this is the name’s origin. Employers would discuss skills and terms with these individuals and once agreements were made the new employee would remove the mop from their person and wear bright colour ribbons signifying, they have been hired. The employer would also give them a small amount of money that they could use at the fair to play games or buy food.
In modern day the Mop has kept its name but now is just a social fair event for pleasure which allows people to roam the town’s streets freely and play as many games, go on as many rides and consume as much food and drink as they wish.
An anonymous Facebook post put in a group called spotted: Stratford Upon Avon proved just how much fun has been had; ‘Lost a small fortune at the Mop fair tonight on ride rickets, ring tosses, and hot sugar loads… only to be informed the kids must go back tomorrow to meet their mates. If anyone’s looking to buy a slightly used kidney, standard household items, or wishes to hire a very enthusiastic ride spectator, hit my DMs ASAP. Cash needed before tomorrow afternoon!’
The town’s streets were closed and flooded with fair rides. With options like a haunted house, vortex, labyrinth, twister, games like hook a duck and clown basketball as well as many burger bars and waffle stands, the fair caters for all.
Such a fantastic atmosphere and [was] a wonderful reminder of the traditions that make Stratford- Upon- Avon so special. –
Ex Stratford Upon Avon Mayor, Councillor Dani Hunter.
The Mop fair is followed by a Runaway fair which takes place two weeks later; the 23rd and 24th of October. The historical reason for this second fair was for any employers who wanted to reconsider any employment options they selected as well as re hiring individuals before the new working year really begins. Yet present day means another weekend of festive fair celebrations are to come!
