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The Runaway Mop in Stratford-upon-Avon is on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026, two weeks after the main Mop Fair and on the first weekend of the October half-term. It’s a smaller fair, with the rides and stalls around Rother Street rather than Bridge Street, and five town-centre streets close from just after midnight on Friday.
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When is the Runaway Mop 2026?
Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026, according to Stratford-on-Avon District Council. Opening times haven’t been published yet. At the main Mop earlier this month the fair ran until 11pm each night, and the council says updates are posted on the Stratford Mop Facebook page. The fair is on the open street, so there’s nothing to pay to walk round.
Runaway Mop road closures
From 00:01 on Friday 23 October until 06:30 on Sunday 25 October, these streets are closed to traffic:
- Greenhill Street
- Rother Street, from its junctions with Greenhill Street, Wood Street and Windsor Street down to the entrance of the NCP car park
- Wood Street
- Windsor Street, from Mansell Street to Rother Street
- Meer Street
The Town Council’s notice also lists Henley Street, although the district council’s list and the closure map don’t, so allow for it being shut too. The district council says the closures will be strictly enforced.
Buses and taxis
Buses will arrive and depart from temporary stops on Guild Street, behind Marks & Spencer, says the Town Council. If you’d normally catch a bus on Wood Street or Rother Street, head to Guild Street instead. The council’s map also shows a temporary taxi rank at the top of Henley Street, by the junction with Windsor Street. Our Stratford bus times page has the next departures.
Where to park
Car parks on the far side of the closed streets are the easiest to reach. Bridgeway multi-storey (650 spaces, first hour free) and Riverside (497 spaces) are both on the other side of the town centre, and the Park & Ride runs on Saturday, with the last bus back at about 6pm. Our Stratford parking guide has a map of every car park and a parking calculator.
More closures the same weekend
Sheep Street closes on Saturday and Sunday for gas works at its Waterside end, and Church Lane in Shottery shuts from Saturday 24 October for two weeks of drainage work. Every closure is on our Stratford road closures page.
Why is it called the Runaway Mop?
The Mop began as a hiring fair, where farm and domestic workers looked for a year’s work. The district council says the Runaway Mop comes from the need for employers to reconsider, and re-hire if necessary, before committing to a full year. Today it’s simply a smaller pleasure fair. There’s more on the history in our Stratford Mop Fair guide, and if you’re making a day of it, see our half-term guide and Halloween guide.
Runaway Mop: quick answers
When is the Runaway Mop in Stratford?
Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026.
Where is the Runaway Mop?
Around Rother Street, Greenhill Street and Wood Street in the town centre.
What time does the Runaway Mop open?
Opening times haven’t been published yet. The main Mop ran until 11pm each night. We’ll add the times here when they’re confirmed.
Which roads are closed for the Runaway Mop?
Greenhill Street, Rother Street, Wood Street, Windsor Street and Meer Street, from 00:01 on Friday 23 October until 06:30 on Sunday 25 October.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
