LEDBURY'S Mop Fair returned to the town this week with hundreds joining in the fun. 

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

As always, the fair was free to enter and featured funfair rides for people to enjoy. 

The fair was officially opened on Monday by the Mayor of Ledbury, Cllr Stephen Chowns, and the Rogers family, which provides the funfair. 

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The Rogers family presented their annual Poppy Wreath which will be laid on the War Memorial along with others on Remembrance Sunday.

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, was closed during the fair. 

Evidence of the fair goes 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.

Cllr Chowns said: "I had the pleasure of opening the annual October Mop Fair. 

"It was lovely to see so many people present for the October Fair opening ceremony including Colonel Andy Taylor representing the Lord-Lieutenant, The Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Kevin Tillett, six other Mayors from neighbouring towns, the Town Crier and Carnival Princesses.

"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 hope everyone who attended the Mop Fair on Monday and Tuesday had a safe and enjoyable time.

"I certainly had a great time on the first ride of the Waltzers."

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

This agreement clarifies responsibilities and formalises a financial contribution by the fair to the town.