A Wiltshire high street has been abuzz with light and laughter for the last two weekends after the historic Marlborough Mop funfair came to town.

The event, which ran over two weekends, was formally declared open on Saturday, October 7 by Marlborough’s Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Fogg, and his ‘mini Mayor’ Elwin.

As it is tradition each year that the Mayor is the first to go on a free ride, Elwin graciously stepped in for Coun Fogg.

It didn’t take long for the High Street to be absolutely buzzing with excitement, as people travelled from far and wide to come and visit the Wiltshire town.

“I attend the event each year and I come from Gloucestershire, so it’s a good hour's journey for me,” said Richard Smiler Jones.

“It’s the atmosphere of the street which makes it come alive really, it feels like the whole town comes out to see it.

“I go to quite a few street fairs around the country and Marlborough is always up there with one of the best,” he added.

Cara Harvey, from Dolly’s Embroidery, took her daughter to the fair and said: “My favourite ride has to be the ferris wheel at the end of the High Street. It overlooked the whole fair, and all the lights in the darkness were just magical.

“We love a funfair and we will definitely be back every year. The food was amazing, as were the rides and atmosphere.”

Known as the Little Mop and Big Mop, the events were originally hiring fairs in the 1200s where domestic and agricultural workers would have been hired.

It is said that to show their trade, domestic workers would carry a mop, and farm workers would carry a rake or other tool, hence the name.

Marlborough’s Mops are always held on the closest Saturdays to St Michaelmas Day, on October 11, to be in line with the town’s charter given by King John in 1204.

But despite being steeped in centuries of tradition, it's clear that the Marlborough Mop funfair of 2023 still has something to offer for everyone, old and young alike.

"It's always good to see our friends from the Showmen's Guild with us again. Some of the families have been coming to Marlborough for several generations,” said Marlborough’s Mayor, Coun Fogg.

“It was a glorious day and I amassed a large number of children keen to go on the free rides that is the Mayor's privilege. What a lovely tradition!

“For two days a year, the High Street belongs to the people. That's something worth maintaining,” he added.