Ledbury Mop Fair is returning to the town next week

The centuries-old fair will take place on Monday and Tuesday, October 7 and 8 in Ledbury Town Centre. 

As always, the fair will be free to enter and will feature many fun fair rides for people to enjoy. 

The official opening of the fair will take place at 5pm on Monday, October 7. 

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This will be followed by an official ceremony featuring the town mayor Cllr Stephen Chowns. 

Cllr Chowns said: "Along with the residents of Ledbury, I am very much looking forward to the Mop Fair this coming week. 

"This event has been part of the Ledbury scene for many years - and I understand the name derives from the old tradition of domestic staff seeking work in large houses by bringing their mops to the fair. 

"I will have the honour of opening the Fair on Monday afternoon, and if past practice is any guide, I shall have a chance to try one or two rides thereafter."

Town Clerk Angela Price added she hoped everyone who attends enjoys what the fair has to offer.

The High Street and Homend, including a section of Bye Street, between St Katherine's Car Park entrance and the junction with the High Street, will be closed to traffic each day from 4.30pm, while the fair is under way.

This year, for the first time, Ledbury Town Council has negotiated a Service Level Agreement with the Rodgers family, who organise the Fair. 

This agreement clarifies responsibilities and formalises a financial contribution by the Fair to the Town.

Evidence of the fair goes all the way back to 1138 in the reign of King Stephen. More recently, it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I, in 1584.

In the old days, it would have served as a hiring fair, to serve local farms, as well as a celebration of the end of the hop harvest.

Call Ledbury Town Council on 01531 632306 or at deputyclerk@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk for more information on road closures.