BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Monday, 8 October 2007, 20:02 GMT 21:02 UK
Town prepares for annual mop fair
The annual mop fair takes place in the Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury on Tuesday evening.

Town centre streets closed to make way for dodgem cars, roundabouts and candy floss stalls.

The fair is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and involves farm workers, labourers and servants.

They would work for an employer until October then at the end of their employment they would attend the fair, dressed in their Sunday best.

Those without any particular skills would carry a mop head which is where the expression originated.



SEE ALSO
Drink led to trouble at Mop fair
29 Sep 05 |  Bristol/Somerset

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Eye-catching images from around the world this week
How woman fought multiple sclerosis to scale Everest
Pakistan urges return to Swat - but is it safe?

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific