Every year, the peaceful town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria transforms dramatically.
What is usually a quiet place with around 3,000 residents suddenly becomes a bustling hub of activity as thousands of travellers and visitors descend upon the town for the famous Appleby Horse Fair.
Thousands Gather for a Historic Event Rooted in Centuries of Tradition
This year, up to 10,000 travellers and another 30,000 visitors are expected to flood the town during the first week of June.
The fair has a rich history dating back to 1775, originally starting as a market for drovers and horse traders.
Over the centuries, it evolved into one of Europe’s largest gatherings of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community, full of horse riding, trading, music, and vibrant cultural celebrations.
Joy and Tradition Meet Challenges and Disorder
While the fair celebrates culture and tradition, it is also known for stirring up some controversy and trouble.
Locals have reported a series of incidents including damage to property, reckless carriage racing along village streets, and even threatening behavior.
For example, before the fair officially started, some travellers were accused of damaging a cricket pavilion, with broken windows and vandalism.
A Glimpse of the Fair’s Softer Side Through the Eyes of Families
Despite the disruption, there’s a gentler side to the event.
Four-year-old Jimmy Cole, for instance, was spotted happily riding his miniature Shetland pony named Rolo along the “flashing lane,” a country road where horses are ridden behind Fair Hill.
His dad, also called Jimmy, shared how much the boy loves horses and enjoys being part of the fair’s atmosphere.
Nearby, 17-year-old Scarlett Tipton from Stockport enjoyed showing off her pony Duchess, expressing her love for the fair despite the occasional rainy weather.
Long-Time Attendee Reflects on How the Fair Has Changed
Melvina Smith, a fortune teller who has attended the Appleby Fair for three decades, offered her perspective.
She described the fair as once being a calm, relaxed event, now overshadowed by increased crowds and problems, often caused by drinking.
Melvina, who identifies as a “true born gypsy,” shared how palm reading and fortune-telling run in her family for generations.
Social Media Captures Both Excitement and Chaos
Videos shared online show travellers galloping down country roads in horse-drawn carriages, with traffic slowed to a crawl.
One clip even shows a toddler enjoying a ride on a horse, held safely by his mother.
Travellers also continue the tradition of washing their horses in the nearby River Eden to prepare them for sale and refresh them in the warm weather.
Police Face Rising Challenges as Crime and Disorder Increase
The local police have been busy preparing for and responding to incidents connected to the fair.
So far, nearly 30 arrests have been made in the wider Eden and South Lakes area for offenses including burglary, criminal damage, and knife crime.
A controversial moment arose when police handcuffed a 10-year-old boy, sparking criticism and concern from the community.
Locals Express Frustration Over Rising Tensions and Damage
In Kirkby Lonsdale, near Appleby, residents have faced an influx of travellers earlier than usual, leading to increased anxiety.
A beloved cricket pavilion was severely damaged, with police arresting three 10-year-old boys in connection with the incident.
Other issues included racial abuse towards security staff and disturbances at caravan sites.
Many locals choose to leave town during the fair weekend to avoid the chaos.
Concerns Grow Over Animal Welfare and Fair Regulations
One major worry is the treatment of the thousands of horses brought to the fair.
Last year saw two horse deaths due to exhaustion, raising alarms among animal welfare groups.
Campaigners call for stricter enforcement of horse passport checks and better protections to prevent animal suffering during the event.
A Town Divided Between Tradition and Safety
While some of Appleby’s pubs and businesses close during the fair to avoid trouble, others remain open, embracing the event’s cultural significance.
However, for many residents, the fair brings unwelcome disruption—ranging from unruly behavior and litter to damage of local property.
Wooden animal decorations painted by children have even been vandalized, adding to the frustration.
Police Urge Caution as Traffic and Safety Concerns Mount
Cumbria Police have warned drivers to expect slow-moving traffic for the next two weeks due to the fair.
With horse-drawn vehicles sharing the roads, officials urge motorists to be patient and careful, especially on busy routes like the A66.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin emphasized that public safety remains the top priority throughout the event.
A Fair With a Complex History and Deep Roots in the Community
The Appleby Horse Fair takes place just outside the town, on historic grounds where once public hangings occurred.
Though once thought to have been established by a royal charter in 1685, later research found this was never enacted.
Known as the “New Fair,” it started in the 18th century and has become a key event for the Traveller community.
In its 250-year history, it has only been canceled twice—in 2001 due to foot-and-mouth disease and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.