Preparations are underway for this year’s Appleby Horse Fair, which kicks off on Thursday June 6th and ends on the 12th.
This amazing once-per-year event is billed as the biggest traditional Gypsy fair in Europe, and is commonly likened to a large family get-together.
Every day of the event, the horses are bathed on the River Eden’s sands in the town centre and are trotted up and down the “flashing road.” Everything you require is provided here in this guide.
Every year, Gipsies and Travellers from all over the UK come together for the annual Appleby Horse Fair, which dates back to the 16th century. Every year on the first weekend in June, the fair draws up to 30,000 guests, 1,000 caravans, several hundred horse-drawn cars, and about 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers who flock to the fair every year without fail.
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On the fairgrounds, there is a market offering a wide selection of items, many of which are customary for the travelling Gypsy population and many horse-related products. Since 1775, the location has been home to a sheep and cattle fair. Since the early 1900s, the fair has become a significant event for Gypsies and travellers.
When is the fair?
Thursday, June 6th, until Wednesday, June 12th, but most people usually stay for the main days, which is the weekend only.
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Throughout the weekend, sizable numbers are anticipated, with travellers from all over the UK joining locals and visitors to enjoy the yearly celebration. We hope that this website helps to bring MORE visitors to this great gypsy horse fair.
Where can I park?
There will be no fewer than 12 car parks available nearby on each day of the fair, these are:
- Rotary car park
- Fair Hill
- Uptop
- Castle
- Football Field
- Appleby Grammar School (Saturday only)
- Long Martin Road
- Bousfield
- Holme Farm Field
- Broad Close
- the railway station
- the field next to Market Field on the opposite side of the flashing lane (Long Marton Road).
Thus, lots of parking will be accessible regardless of your direction of travel. The daily rates for each car will range from £5 to £10 in all of the parking lots. There will be some disability parking spaces on the festival site at Fair Hill; inquire with the on-duty police for access, or ask for help at the tourist information desk.
There is limited disabled parking available in the town centre near the Moot Hall.
What about public toilets?
There will be portable restrooms at the town centre, Fair Hill, the majority of the parking lots, and the sandy area next to the river. There are public restrooms near the Broad Close parking lot and adjacent to the Public Hall entrance.
Are there any Cash Machines about?
An open-air market with a wide variety of fascinating goods and objects, many of which are connected to Gypsy and Traveller culture, is a customary element of the fair. Cash machines are provided at the post office, Spar, and Co-op in the town centre for individuals who are eager to indulge in some market treasures or perhaps thinking about purchasing a horse.
Are Dogs Allowed At The Fair?
Given the amount of horses on display, I think it would be best if you kept your pets especially dogs at home as they could get stuck in a hot car or possibly scare the horses.
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This would really be distressing for the horses and dogs alike so I would strongly discourage anyone bringing dogs to a horse fair.
Travel and public transport
On the awesome Carlisle-Settle line, Appleby is the destination of a frequent train service. Trains leave from several points in the area, such as Leeds in the southeast and Carlisle in the north. Due to the road closures, there are fewer local bus routes available during the fair.
For more information, check out the websites of Stagecoach, Westmorland and Furness Council.Â
Accommodation
Finding accommodation can be extremely troublesome during the horse fair. Make enquiries about any vacancies via the Visit Eden website or by contacting the Appleby Tourist Information Centre on 017683 51177.
Alternatively, you can check out our posts on these topics belowÂ
Drinking Alcohol at Appleby
At this year’s horse fair in Appleby, like last year there will probably be a tent again where you can top up your drinks and enjoy the fair in the lovely British weather.
Is It Safe For Children at The Fair?
Contrary to the media and its lies, the Appleby Horse Fair is safe for children and there are always officials on standby should anything out of the blue happen.Â
Every year, the fair attracts lots of families and it goes by without a hitch, so parents should know that Appleby is safe for children and they should never be discouraged from attending by anyone other than their own parents.
When Are The Main Days?
The main days when everything goes down at Appleby Horse Fair is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Most people tend to leave town after the weekend but a lot more older folk stay longer.
Are You Still Coming?
Appleby Horse Fair is an unlicensed event organised by a few members of the travelling community and overseen by an official group of people calling themselves MASCG (Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group). It’s just council officials who like to call the shots. The same people who want to charge you for tickets and turn it into one big commercial enterprise. For more information read: Appleby is not for sale.
Bring on Appleby Horse Fair 2024. It’s going to be a corker!
