Lakestay-Appleby Horse Fair

pic from University of Liverpool gypsy archive (see link) 2008 ..Appleby Horse Fair on June 5-8

Appleby Horse Fair has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685, and has survived an attempt at closure by Westmorland Borough Council in 1965. It is one of the key gathering points for the romany, gypsy and travelling community.

Factfile for the 2008 event issued by Cumbria police
The fair goes ahead as usual this June (2002) following its cancellation last year because of foot and mouth restrictions. Appleby New Fair Joint Committee, has asked visitors not to bring animals other than horses this year. Appleby New Fair is attended by about 5,000 travellers and other traders and up to 1,500 caravans park in the area. On the Sunday of fair week, between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors pour into Appleby and onto Fair Hill. Tourists also mingle with the travellers to watch horses being washed in the river and the sometimes dangerous galloping and trotting of horses to show them off to potential buyers. Some shops close down for the duration as normal life is disrupted by the annual tradition.

The fair takes place around June 5 to June 8 2008
Superb Fair photographs at this Gallery.
Interesting pages on gypsy culture and history from Liverpool University.

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