ORGANISERS of Evesham’s Mop Fair have revealed this year’s event has been cancelled because of the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.
Evesham Town Council in consultation with Mop operator Edward Danter have taken the ‘very difficult’ decision to cancel the event in the heart of the town from October 1 to 3.
The fair, which started as hiring fair some 700 years ago is an annual tradition enshrined in the town’s charter.
However, the current COVID-19 epidemic and the enhanced measures brought in by the Government to prevent its spread have led organisers to pull the plug.
Mr Danter said: “The Evesham Mop is one of the highlights of the year and has a long long history. We had already taken measures to aide social distancing and promote hand sanitising, however we said throughout that if the picture changed we would review the decision to go ahead.
“We felt the enhanced rules would be hard for us and the police to enforce at such a large event and we always wanted to put the health of our customers and staff first.
“Cancelling the Mop was a really difficult decision to make but we will be back next year,” he added.
Mayor of Evesham, Coun Sue Amor said: “We love the Mop Fair and it is with a very heavy heart that we have made this decision.
“We wanted it go ahead for the benefit of the town and for the economy, however, the enhanced measures coupled with a rise in the infection rate in the region led us to believe that the risk did not outweigh the benefit.
“Our priority was always the health and well-being of the fair patrons and staff and we have taken the decision with this at the forefront,” she said.
To mark and preserve the charter a vintage fair vehicle and small child’s ride will be open in the Market Place on October 3.
