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Stratford’s Mop Fair takes over the town centre every October, a tradition confirmed by a charter granted by Edward VI in 1553. In 2026 it’s on Sunday 11 and Monday 12 October, followed by the smaller Runaway Mop on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October. Here are the times, what to look out for, and the roads that close.
On this page
Mop Fair 2026: dates and times
- Sunday 11 October: from 3pm until 11pm.
- Monday 12 October: officially opened at 11am by district and town council dignitaries, and open until 11pm.
What to look out for
- Rides and stalls across the town centre, with many of the attractions on Bridge Street.
- The Golden Carousel on Rother Street, which is 127 years old.
- The Monday pig roast, run by local scouts at the end of Waterside, at the bottom of Bridge Street. The first slice is sold at a charity auction.
Mop Fair road closures
These roads are closed from 00:01 on Sunday 11 October until 07:30 on Tuesday 13 October:
- Greenhill Street
- Rother Street (from Ely Street)
- Wood Street
- Union Street
- Bridge Street
- Windsor Street (from Mansell Street)
- Meer Street
- Henley Street
- High Street
The district council says the closures are strictly enforced and suggests using public transport. If you’re driving in, our Stratford parking guide lists every car park and price. Park & Ride buses run until 6.30pm on Sundays but only until 3pm on weekdays, so they won’t get you home from an evening at the fair on Monday.
Runaway Mop 2026: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October
The Runaway Mop is a smaller pleasure fair, clustered around Rother Street. The tradition comes from employers needing a chance to reconsider, and re-hire if necessary, before committing to a full year’s work. This year it lands at the start of the October half-term, so see our half-term guide and Halloween guide if you’re making a day of it.
According to the district council, these roads are closed from 00:01 on Friday 23 October until 06:30 on Sunday 25 October: Greenhill Street, Rother Street (from the NCP car park entrance), Wood Street, Windsor Street (from Mansell Street to Rother Street) and Meer Street. The town council’s notice also lists Henley Street, and says buses will use temporary stops on Guild Street, behind Marks & Spencer.
A short history of the Mop
The Mop began as a hiring fair for farm and domestic workers, who came carrying a mop to signal their skills. Its roots go back to the labour laws of Edward III’s reign, and its original charter was granted by Edward VI on 28 June 1553, with later charters from James I and Charles II. The fair is traditionally held on 12 October. In the 1950s, special trains carried visitors to and from the fair from the surrounding towns and villages.
Mop Fair: quick answers
When is the Stratford Mop Fair 2026?
Sunday 11 and Monday 12 October 2026. The Runaway Mop follows on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
What time does the Mop Fair open?
From 3pm on Sunday. The official opening is at 11am on Monday, and the fair closes at 11pm each night.
Which roads are closed for the Mop?
Most of the town centre, including Bridge Street, High Street, Henley Street, Wood Street and Greenhill Street, from 00:01 on Sunday 11 October until 07:30 on Tuesday 13 October. The full list is above.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
