SCREAMS and shouts filled the air as the annual mop fair returned to Stratford.
Crowds spilled onto the streets and the town centre was closed to traffic for the two-day carnival on Sunday and Monday (October 11 and 12).
The event has a long and historic tradition, with the original Charter being granted by Edward VI in 1544.
Stratford District Council chairman Mike Gittus got the action under way opening the main mop on Monday.
He was joined by a host of councillors and townsfolk who braced the white-knuckle rides, enjoyed the stalls and tried their luck on the tombola and raffle.
In addition to the usual thrills and spills, this year’s event also saw the return of the 125-year-old Golden Carousel.
The town’s runaway mop, which traditionally follows the event, is set to take place next Thursday (October 22) and Friday (October 23).
To accommodate the event, the following streets will be closed from 5am on Thursday until 6am on Saturday (October 24) – Greenhill Street, Rother Street (from Ely Street), Wood Street, Windsor Street (from Mansell Street), and Meer Street.
Road closures will be strictly enforced by Stratford District Council.
