For most of the year, Appleby-in-Westmorland is the picture of tranquility.
Nestled beside the River Eden, the charming Cumbrian town is home to just 3,000 people and is known for its quiet streets and scenic beauty.
But each June, that calm is replaced with chaos as thousands of travellers and visitors flood in for the Appleby Horse Fair—Europe’s largest traditional Gypsy and Traveller gathering.
A Historic Gathering That Transforms the Town
Dating back to 1775, the Appleby Horse Fair has grown from a simple livestock exchange into a six-day cultural celebration.
It draws an estimated 10,000 members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and up to 30,000 additional spectators.
The event features everything from horse trading and riding displays to traditional music, dancing, and bustling market stalls.
Though the fair is rich in tradition, the sudden influx of people places huge pressure on the town’s infrastructure—and its residents.
Frustration Builds Before the Fair Even Starts
In the days leading up to the event, tensions began mounting.
Locals in nearby Kirkby Lonsdale reported rising incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
One of the most talked-about acts of damage was the destruction of the local cricket pavilion, where all the windows were smashed out.
Police later arrested three boys—each just 10 years old—in connection with the attack.
Other problems were reported at a local caravan park, where security guards allegedly faced racial abuse and traveller children were accused of discharging fire extinguishers inside a reception area.
Social Media Captures the Mayhem
Footage circulating online showed groups riding horse-drawn carts at speed down local roads, severely slowing traffic.
In one video, a mother is seen holding her young child on the back of a horse.
Another clip captures travellers washing horses in the River Eden—a long-standing tradition at the fair.
Some locals and commentators have expressed concern over the scenes being shared online, worried that they add to the fair’s already controversial reputation.
Police Presence Grows Amid Rising Crime
Cumbria Police have ramped up their operations, making nearly 30 arrests across the Eden and South Lakes regions in the lead-up to the fair.
Offences range from burglary and criminal damage to knife crime and even alleged racist abuse.
A particularly tense moment arose when officers handcuffed two 10-year-old boys after a knife was reportedly shown to a local resident.
The incident, captured and posted by their mother, sparked outrage online, with accusations of over-policing and discrimination.
Police defended their actions, emphasizing public safety, and warned motorists to expect slow-moving traffic, particularly around the A66, where horse-drawn vehicles are often spotted.
Local Backlash Grows Stronger Each Year
For many Appleby residents, the fair is becoming harder to tolerate.
Over the years, they’ve taken measures to limit the event’s impact, including closing pubs, blocking usual camping spots, and even temporarily leaving town during the festivities.
One woman shared that she and her husband now leave every year, unable to cope with the disruption.
“It feels like the Wild West,” she said, describing scenes of horses racing through the streets, public drunkenness, and vandalism.
Even small gestures from the local community, like a display of painted wooden animals created by children, haven’t been spared—some of the decorations were recently torn down from a play park.
Horses at the Heart of the Controversy
While the fair is centered around horses, their treatment has sparked concern among animal rights advocates.
Last year, two horses—a young stallion and a Shetland pony—died from overwork and exhaustion.
The RSPCA responded to more than 400 incidents during the event and campaigners are now demanding stricter rules, including random checks on horse passports and better enforcement of welfare standards.
Despite these concerns, the sight of horses being paraded, traded, and bathed in the river remains one of the fair’s signature attractions.
Traveller Voices Speak Out
Members of the travelling community have pushed back against the narrative that paints them as troublemakers.
William Lee, a traveller from Blackpool, voiced his frustration online, accusing police of discrimination.
In a video, he stated that his family was simply enjoying their holiday, just as they have done for generations, and questioned why only gypsy vehicles were being targeted by authorities.
Others expressed similar sentiments, claiming they felt unfairly treated and watched more closely than other visitors or residents.
Calls for Change as the Event Continues
As the fair gets underway, local campaigners and residents are renewing their calls for more oversight.
Some have suggested relocating parts of the event or enforcing tighter regulations to minimize the damage and disruption.
Others argue that without structural changes, Appleby will continue to struggle each summer.
Whether viewed as a vibrant cultural celebration or an annual headache, the Appleby Horse Fair is a tradition unlike any other in the UK—and one that continues to stir up fierce debate year after year.
What’s Next?
With the fair still ongoing, many are watching to see how the rest of the week will unfold.
Police remain on high alert, and residents hope for fewer disturbances.
Meanwhile, traveller families are focused on enjoying their time, trading horses, and passing on traditions to the next generation.
As the dust settles, the question remains: can the town and the fair find a better way to coexist in the future?
Or will the divide between community and culture continue to grow?