WARWICK’S historic mop fair has been postponed.
Warwick District Council (WDC) and Wilson’s Amusements jointly decided to postpone this year’s Mop Fair in light of the ongoing pandemic.
However, alternative plans are being put in place to ensure the 700 year-old tradition is maintained.
Started as a hiring fair for local labourers and employers, the Warwick Mop Fair and Runaway Mop have been held on consecutive Fridays and Saturdays in October since the 13th century. A Mop Charter is signed between the council and the Mop organisers every ten years, which is read aloud by the Mayor of Warwick, to mark the fair’s opening.
To keep this old tradition alive, the council and operator are organising a charter reading to take place in the town centre later this month, although it is uncertain whether any other entertainment will follow.
WDC councillor Richard Hales commented: “The Warwick Mop is arguably the town’s oldest tradition, and is part of our history. We therefore could not envisage, not marking the occasion in 2020 despite the ongoing pandemic. We are now working with Wilson’s to organise a much smaller and safe event to honour the ancient charter.”
Wilson’s Amusements is planning a street fair to take place in late March, subject to the latest health restrictions.
