Get ready for another fantastic celebration at this year’s Old Woodstock Mock Mayor! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 20th.

This unique 230-year-old tradition of electing a mock mayor in Woodstock continues, even without a permanent home. Originating in 1786 as an anti-establishment protest, the event includes a day of festivities culminating in the crowning of a new leader who is then ceremoniously tossed into the river and paraded about town in celebration.

The tradition dates back to the separation of Old and New Woodstock until 1886. In 1110 AD, King Henry I evicted locals from Wychwood Forest to create his first deer park. Later, in 1189, Henry II established New Woodstock atop the hill. The residents left in the swampy meadows used the mock mayor elections to satirise the grandeur of New Woodstock and its royal affiliations.

Keep an eye of their Facebook and Instagram pages for agenda announcements.