Historic Mop Fairs will be held in Cirencester and Tewkesbury in October.

The Cirencester Mop is being held on Monday, October 9th and Monday, October 16th, from 12pm to 10pm.

The fair maintains the historic charter, held by the Nichols family, that ensures the fairs can be held in the town each year.

The Nichols family has delivered Cirencester's Mop Fairs for over 100 years, with the charter dating back over 700 years.

William Nichols was the first member of the family to present a fair at Buckingham, and his grandson Marshall Nichols, third generation showman from the Nichols family, continues the tradition today, delivering a number of historic Charter Fairs, including Cirencester.

Cirencester Town Council is working closely with event organisers Nichols Amusements and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain and has engaged an independent health & safety consultant and measures to minimise the environmental impact are being considered, including carbon offsetting and fuel efficiency.

The town centre will be closed to all traffic for the events with road closures starting at 4pm on Sunday until midnight on Monday.

The following roads will be subject to closures with signed diversions in place. There will be priority access for residents affected; deliveries should be arranged outside the closure times.

• Dollar Street closed at Thomas Street junction
• Cricklade Street closed at Castle Street junction
• Castle Street closed at Silver Street junction
• Dyer Street closed at North Way junction
• Black Jack Street closed at Park Street junction
• Coxwell Street closed at Thomas Street junction

Further information about the road closures can be found on the town council's website.

Meanwhile, the famous Tewkesbury Mop Fair returns on October 9th and 10th. Dating back to the 12th Century, it is the largest street fair in Gloucestershire with fun fair, fairground rides, traditional games, sideshows, stalls and attractions in Tewkesbury town centre.