Here are 7 kickass business ideas for Appleby horse fair 2024 which could either make or break you and your bank balances. Hopefully in a hopefully in a good way.
You know how it goes. Every year when the Appleby Horse Fair rolls around, you get pumped. The sights, the sounds, the vibe – it’s like nothing else. But when you’re not riding or trading, things can get a little slow. Why not make the most of the huge crowds and tap into that entrepreneurial spirit? This year, spice up your visit with a can’t-miss money-making idea. Whether you want to go big or start small, we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll discover seven kickass business concepts that are perfect for the fair. From food trucks to souvenirs, these creative ventures will keep you busy and your wallet full.
Saddle up and get ready to turn your passion into profit at Appleby 2024. With a little grit and gusto, you could make this your most lucrative fair yet.
Every summer, the historic Appleby Horse Fair takes place in Cumbria, England. For over 300 years, Romani and Irish Travelers have been gathering here to trade horses and enjoy each other’s company. Today, the fair attracts over 10,000 visitors and up to 5,000 horses each year.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Appleby Horse Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs still in existence. The fair dates back to the 1600s when King James II granted a Royal Charter allowing a horse fair to be held. While the fair has evolved over time, many traditions remain unchanged. Visitors can still see authentic Romani wagons, experience traditional music and dancing, and watch skilled horse races along the River Eden.
A Major Social Event
For the Romani and Traveler communities, Appleby Horse Fair is the highlight of the summer and a chance to reconnect with friends and family. The fair is a lively social event, with music, dancing, and other entertainment continuing late into the night at the various campsites. While non-Romani visitors are welcome to observe the fair and festivities, it’s important to do so respectfully as this remains an important cultural event.
The Appleby Horse Fair offers a glimpse into a long-standing way of life. By respecting the traditions and culture of the Romani and Traveler communities, visitors can gain a better understanding of this marginalized group and their important role in British history.
7 Creative Business Ideas for Appleby Horse Fair 2024
Photography services
The picturesque setting and traditional gypsy wagons offer amazing photo ops. Set up a booth to capture portraits, offer equine photography sessions, or sell stock images from the fair. The opportunities for stunning shots are endless.
Artisan goods
With thousands of visitors, the fair is a prime spot to sell handcrafted wares. Leather goods, woven baskets, pottery, dreamcatchers—the options for artisanal products are vast. Play up the bohemian vibe and you’ll have eager customers.
Henna and palm reading
Channel the fair’s mystical spirit with henna tattoos or tarot readings. Rent a tent or wagon and you’ll have a steady stream of clients looking to get decorated or glimpse into their future.
Vintage clothing
Take a cue from the gypsies’ flair for fashion. Set up a stall with a curated collection of retro dresses, embroidered tops, statement jewelry and more. The boho crowd will snap up your wares.
Food and drink
From savory pies and pasties to cider, ale and sweets, the food at Appleby is a huge part of its appeal. Whip up homemade lemonade, jam or chutney to sell. Or go all out with a mobile kitchen serving up regional specialties. Food always brings people together, so you’ll be contributing to the joyful atmosphere.
With some creativity and an eye for opportunity, the ideas for businesses are as endless as the summer days at Appleby Horse Fair. Take inspiration from tradition but add your own personal twist. That’s a recipe for success at this iconic event.
Food Stalls and Refreshments at the Fair
The food stalls and refreshments at the Appleby Horse Fair are always a massive attraction and highlight for visitors.
Delicious Traveller Fare
You’ll find traditional traveler fare like stew, burgers, sausages and bacon baps as well as fish and chips. There are also stalls selling delicious cakes, pastries and other sweet treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. With so much delicious food on offer, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
Refreshing Drinks
To wash it all down, there are bars and stalls selling beers, ciders, soft drinks and tea & coffee. After walking around the fair for hours in the summer sun, a cold pint of cider or fresh lemonade are always welcome refreshments. Some stalls also sell traditional traveler beverages like “dark” – a stout beer mixed with cola or lemonade.
Reasonable Prices
Although the food stalls and bars are extremely popular, the prices are generally very reasonable. Most snacks, small meals and drinks won’t set you back more than £5-£10. Given the huge crowds the fair attracts, the affordability and variety of the food and drinks available are two reasons the refreshments stalls have become such an integral part of the Appleby Horse Fair experience.
Selling Horse Care Supplies and Accessories
Horse owners are always in need of supplies to keep their animals healthy and comfortable. At a major horse fair like Appleby, horse care products are going to be in high demand. You’ll want to stock up on essentials like brushes, combs, shampoo, fly spray, hoof picks, and grooming tools. Also consider extras such as saddle pads, bridles, halters, lead ropes, and other tack.
Horse owners appreciate high quality goods that will stand up to regular use. Look for products from reputable brands that are rugged but also safe and humane for the horses. When possible, offer items in a range of price points so you have something for every budget. Display your wares attractively and be ready to demonstrate how each product works.
Knowledgeable staff are key. Hire friendly, experienced people who can give advice tailored to each customer’s specific horse breed and riding discipline. They should be able to make recommendations on the best fly spray for a Clydesdale, suggest a halter size for a Shetland pony, and help choose a soft brush for a thoroughbred’s sensitive skin.
With the huge crowds at Appleby, you’ll want an eye-catching stall or trailer to draw people in. Consider offering special show promotions and discounts to encourage impulse buys. By providing high-quality essentials, the right expertise, and great customer service, you’ll have a successful business catering to horse owners from all over. Your one-stop shop for all their equine needs will keep them coming back year after year.
Providing Entertainment and Activities
Set up a mini festival
Why not organize some entertainment and activities to keep visitors engaged? You could set up a small fair or festival area with games, food stalls, live music, and other attractions. Rent a few food trucks or carts and bring in local bands and performers. Classic fair games like ring toss, water squirt games, and beanbag tosses are always crowd-pleasers. Charge small fees for games and activities to generate some revenue.
Organize a pub crawl
For those looking to experience Appleby’s nightlife, a pub crawl is a fun way to discover the local bars and clubs. Work with venue owners to set up drink specials and activities along a planned route. Provide maps to participants to encourage them to visit each spot. Not only will this attract visitors, but it will also drive business to Appleby’s bars, pubs and nightclubs.
Offer horse-themed activities
What better place than Appleby Horse Fair to organize some equestrian-themed events? You could put together a small horse show or gymkhana with classes for visitors to enter. Or set up stations where people can learn how to saddle a horse, throw a lasso, or other ranch skills. For kids, pony rides and horse coloring or craft activities are always a hit. Play into the history and culture of the area to give people an authentic experience.
With some organization and promotion, providing entertainment and activities during Appleby Horse Fair is a great way to keep visitors engaged for longer and generate extra revenue for local businesses. Add your own flair to put an exciting twist on traditional fair events. The options for fun, horse-themed events at this iconic festival are endless!
Offering Camping Facilities and Accommodations
With thousands of travelers flocking to Appleby Horse Fair each year, providing camping facilities and other accommodations is a great business opportunity. You could set up a campsite on your land and rent out space for tents, camper vans and caravans. Offer amenities like showers, toilets, waste disposal and fresh water to attract campers.
If you have stables or outbuildings, consider renting them out as basic lodging for visitors on a budget. Clean them up, add some cots or bunk beds, and advertise them as an authentic experience. For those wanting more comfort, you could rent out rooms in your home or run a small bed and breakfast.
With limited hotels in the area, creative accommodation options like these are in high demand during the Fair. You’ll have a captive audience of visitors needing a place to stay, so if you build it, they will come! Charge premium rates, as people expect to pay more during big events.
Offering camping and lodging during Appleby Horse Fair is a great way to generate extra income. And by providing a needed service, you’ll become part of the event’s history and tradition. With some investment to get set up, this type of business could run for many successful years.
See our other accommodation suggestions:
Selling Souvenirs and Keepsakes
The Appleby Horse Fair attracts thousands of visitors each year, all looking to experience the unique Gypsy and Traveler culture. As a vendor, you’ll want to tap into this interest by selling souvenirs and mementos of the event. Some ideas include:
Gypsy-themed jewelry like dangle earrings, bracelets with charms like horseshoes or caravans, or necklaces with a pentacle or moon and star pendants are always popular. You could also offer leather or fabric bracelets for customers to pick charms to add on.
Stallion or traditional Gypsy cob stuffed animals are an easy sell, especially for kids. Wooden horse models or ornaments depicting Gypsy wagons or caravans would also make great keepsakes of the fair.
Colorful bandanas, scarves and shawls in traditional patterns like paisley are useful items that customers can use and cherish as a memory of their trip. You might also offer t-shirts, dresses or skirts in similar vibrant patterns and colors.
The key is to find or create high-quality goods that capture the spirit of the Appleby Fair and give customers a lasting reminder of the sights, sounds and experiences of this cultural event. With the right mix of merchandise, a souvenir stand can be a very successful venture at the fair.
Appleby Horse Fair Business Ideas FAQs
So you have some questions about starting a business at the iconic Appleby Horse Fair? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
What types of businesses work well at the fair?
Temporary food stalls, souvenir shops, and camping gear rentals are always popular. Fairgoers flock to grab classic British fare like fish and chips, Cornish pasties, and cider. Unique crafts, clothing, and other keepsakes celebrating Gypsy culture are also a hit. Given the huge influx of campers, equipment rentals for tents, sleeping bags and more see high demand.
Do I need any permits or licenses?
Yes, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits and licenses to operate a business at the fair. Contact Eden District Council to apply for a temporary street trading license and permit to trade on public land. There are fees associated with these permits. You should apply at least 3-4 months before the fair.
How much does it cost to get a stall?
Vendor stall fees vary depending on the size and location within the fairgrounds. You can expect to pay between £200 to £500 for a basic stall for the duration of the fair. Premium spots, especially those along the main ‘Horse Market’ road, command higher fees. Additional charges may apply for electricity, waste disposal, and overnight security.
What are the busiest days?
The fair officially runs Thursday to Wednesday, but the weekend, especially Saturday, see the largest crowds. If you can only get a stall for a limited time, aim for Friday through Sunday. The opening ‘Gypsy Horse Sale’ on Saturday and the twice-weekly ‘Trot Up’ event also draw big audiences. Plan for long hours and especially long nights.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 7 kickass business ideas to make your Appleby Horse Fair 2024 the most successful one yet! From food trucks to merchandise to entertainment, there are so many opportunities for you to bring in the big bucks. Just remember – plan ahead, know your target audience, and provide an awesome experience. You got this! See you at the Fair!
