Countdown begins for Tewkesbury Mop Fair 2026

With more than 50 attractions ranging from traditional family rides to adrenaline-fuelled favourites, the fair promises fun for all ages. Visitors can also continue to enjoy Tewkesbury’s shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, which will remain open throughout the event.

Steeped in history, the Mop Fair blends historic charm with modern-day community celebrations, keeping its heritage alive in vibrant new ways. The fair traces its roots to traditional autumn hiring events, where servants and farmhands would carry tools of their trade – a mop for a housemaid, a fork for a labourer – to seek new employment.

The fair will be open:

• Friday, 9 October 2026: 4pm to 11pm
• Saturday, 10 October 2026: noon to 11pm

The Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough, Councillor George Porter, will lead an official ceremony to mark the opening of the fair at The Cross, Tewkesbury on Friday, 9 October at 4pm.

Road closures
Wednesday, 7 October 11.59pm

• Closed: Spring Gardens Car Park (including the approach to the car park) and Rails Meadow Car Park

Friday, 9 October 6am

• Closed: Barton Street, East Street, Trinity Street, Nelson Street, Chance Street and part of Oldbury Road (Nelson Street to Station Street)
• No waiting or parking: Chance Street to Station Street, part of Oldbury Road and Sun Street.

Friday, 9 October: 4pm – 4.30pm

• Closed: Part of Church Street (The Cross to The Crescent) will be closed for the procession for the official opening.

Saturday, 10 October 10am: Mop Fair day

• Road closures and parking restrictions listed above will remain in place throughout the Mop Fair.

Sunday, 11 October: 7am

• All affected streets and car parks re-open.

Residents and visitors are advised that Gloucestershire Highways will place traffic cones in affected areas ahead of the restrictions, with parking enforcement beginning at 6am on Friday, 9 October.

Parking
Details of available parking can be found on Tewkesbury Borough Council’s parking page.

Disabled parking is available in the following public car parks which will remain open during the mop fair:

• Bishops Walk
• St Mary’s Lane
• Station Lane
• Oldbury Road
• Gloucester Road
• The Vineyards

Bins
Thursday waste and recycling collections are unaffected by the Mop Fair road closures and will take place as normal.

Tewkesbury Borough Mayor, Cllr George Porter, said: “Mop Fair is one of Tewkesbury’s most cherished traditions and a highlight of the town’s calendar. It is an event that brings together residents, visitors and businesses while celebrating a history that stretches back centuries. I am delighted to officially open this year’s fair alongside the Tewkesbury Town Mayor – Councillor Emma Ash, James and Clare Danter – James Danter & Sons Fun Fair, Tewkesbury Fair Society and Tewkesbury Town Crier – Richard Whincup and welcome everyone to enjoy all that it has to offer.”

James Danter, Managing Director of James Danter & Sons Fun Fair, added: “We are delighted to be returning to Tewkesbury for this year’s Mop Fair. It’s a special event with a proud history, and we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy a fantastic mix of traditional favourites and exciting rides for all ages. We hope people will come along, have a great time, and make the most of everything Tewkesbury has to offer.”

Tewkesbury Borough Council is supporting this event through the Safety Advisory Group, with involvement from council teams including property services, environmental health, waste and licensing to help ensure the event runs safely and successfully.