MOP Day 1

The Mop comes to Stratford twice a year, always in October and about two weeks between visits. The second occasion is called the Runaway Mop. It takes up the whole of the centre of the town and lasts only two days on each visit.

The fair is called the Mop because historically it was a recruitment occasion when tradesmen and women took the tools of their trade to look for work. Those without a trade carried a mop. The Runaway Mop was for those looking for work that had left their current employers.

It has become over the years a traditional fun fair and although the council would like to move it out to one of the open areas around Stratford the public has voted to leave the Mop in the middle of town regardless of disruption, in accordance with the royal charters of 1553, 1611 and 1676.

I only took a few photos of the setting up, due to the pressure of needing coffee and the fact it was raining, but these can be seen at MOP Photos.

Depending on the weather tomorrow I may pop into town after dark and try some night photography amongst the rides.