You’re always on the hunt for the best and most authentic festivals to experience. Whether it’s music, food, or culture, you want an event that transports you to another time and place. Well, you’re in luck. Every year in early June, the small town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in northern England hosts the largest and most famous gypsy horse fair in the UK.
We’re talking hundreds of beautifully decorated horse-drawn wagons and carriages parading through the streets while Romani traders in traditional dress sell handcrafted goods in the bustling open-air market.
You’ll see magnificent gypsy cobs competing in fast-paced harness races and be wowed by talented performers. With its rich heritage and electrifying atmosphere, the Appleby Horse Fair offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in gypsy culture. This year, make plans to attend the Appleby Horse Fair in 2024 for a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.
Ancient Tradition
Appleby Horse Fair has been held annually for over 300 years, making it the oldest and largest gathering of Romany gypsies and travellers in the UK.The Magnificent Horses Some of the finest examples of Gypsy Cob and Irish Traveller horses will be on display, with flashy feathered hooves and luxurious manes. The Gypsy Cob is renowned for its gentle and kind temperament, as well as its stamina and hardiness.
Vibrant Culture
Experience the vibrant Gypsy and Traveller culture through music, dancing, fortune telling, and more. Many visitors are fascinated by the handcrafted vardos (ornately carved horse-drawn wagons) and bow tops (tent-like wagons).
A huge outdoor market features everything from livestock to clothing, pots and pans to fortune telling. Strike a bargain for handcrafted goods and homemade treats. When the sun sets, the party starts. Pubs put on live music, families gather around campfires, and young travellers show off their moves at late-night discos.
Adventure
For a truly memorable adventure, travel to the fair in a horse-drawn wagon or bow top, winding through the picturesque Eden Valley in the North Pennines area of natural beauty. Experience a slice of history and connect with nomadic Gypsy roots.
Whether you go for the history, culture, horses or adventure, Appleby Horse Fair offers a vibrant spectacle like no other. Save the dates and experience the iconic event in 2024.
The History and Tradition of the Appleby Horse Fair
The Appleby Horse Fair has been held annually for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest horse fairs still running today. The fair began as a place for Romany gypsies and Irish Travellers to trade horses, but today it celebrates Gypsy culture and heritage.
A Place for Commerce and Community
For centuries, the fair was an important economic event where gypsies would buy and sell horses, and catch up with friends and family they hadn’t seen all year. Though less horse trading happens today, the fair still brings the community together. Many gypsies return to the same campsites year after year, reuniting with old friends and keeping traditions alive.
A Celebration of Gypsy Culture
The fair is a vibrant celebration of Gypsy culture, with traditional foods, music, dancing, and dress on display. The sound of violins and accordions fill the air as people dance into the night. Colorful gypsy caravans and wagons line the riverbanks. And of course, there are the magnificent gypsy horses to admire, with their feathered hooves and flowing manes.
A Historic Event
Not much has changed about the fair over the centuries. It’s still a raucous, unorganized event, steeped in history and tradition. The chaotic yet jubilant atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Even as Gypsy culture faces threats in modern society, the Appleby Horse Fair remains a place where the community can come together to honor their rich heritage. If you want to experience a truly historic British tradition, there’s nothing quite like the Appleby Horse Fair.
What to Expect at the Appleby Horse Fair 2024
Vibrant Horse Trading
The Appleby Horse Fair is the largest gathering of gypsies and travelers in Europe, with over 10,000 people descending upon the small town of Appleby. The main event is the lively horse trading, with colorful gypsy cobs, trotters, and vanners being bought, sold, and paraded around the fair. Be prepared for lots of haggling and negotiating as gypsies attempt to get the best deals on their new equine companions.
Traditional Gypsy Caravans
No Appleby Horse Fair is complete without the iconic gypsy bow top caravans. These ornately decorated wagons provide accommodation for the travelers during the fair. Take time to admire the intricate paintwork and wood carvings of these moving works of art. Many of the gypsy families have passed down their caravans through generations.
Evening Entertainment
Once night falls, the entertainment begins. Head to the local pubs to experience traditional gypsy music, dancing, and storytelling over a pint. You may even get a chance to join in the revelry. Families will light campfires near their caravans and gather to share songs, jokes, and folktales late into the evening.
Delicious Food
All that trading, socializing and merrymaking is sure to work up an appetite. Indulge in traditional gypsy fare like stewed hedgehog, fried fish and chips, and apple pies. Or try your hand at making damper bread and toasting it over an open fire. And wash it all down with a cup of strong gypsy tea, brewed to perfection in a tin pot over hot coals. A trip to the Appleby Horse Fair is a feast for all the senses.
Unique Atmosphere
Overall, the Appleby Horse Fair has a magical atmosphere that transports you back in time. The sights, sounds and smells of this historic event, little changed over the centuries, are an unforgettable experience. No wonder travelers and gypsies faithfully return each year to this, the most famous of all the great horse fairs.
Tips for Attending the Best Gypsy Horse Fair
Book accommodation in advance
The Appleby Horse Fair brings thousands of travelers and gypsies from all over the UK, so accommodations in and around Appleby fill up quickly. Book a room, campsite or caravan pitch well in advance, especially if you want to be within walking distance of the fair. Camping on site is a big part of the experience for many attendees.
Dress appropriately and pack essentials
The fair is an outdoor event spanning several days, so be prepared for potential rain or hot weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, hats, and any medications you may need. As for attire, avoid flashy clothing and dress modestly out of respect for the gypsy culture.
Bring cash
While some larger fair attractions may accept cards, most of the smaller stalls, caravans and events are cash only. ATMs on site often run out of money quickly, so bring enough cash to cover your entire visit.
Watch the horse trading
One of the main highlights is watching the gypsies trade and sell horses. You’ll see colorful gypsy cobs and fast trotters paraded and ridden bareback through the crowds as their owners show off the animals’ skills and spirit. Make your way to the horse fair in the mornings to see the most activity.
Shop for gypsy goods
In addition to horses, many gypsies sell traditional wares from their caravans like clothing, baskets, jewelry and more. Look for the latest gypsy fashions and handmade crafts as you wander the fair. Be prepared to haggle for a good price.
Take in the nightlife
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. At night, many pubs host live music and dancing. You may even spot gypsies in their colorful traditional dress joining in. Relax, grab a pint and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The Appleby Horse Fair truly comes alive after dark.
Attending the historic Appleby Horse Fair is a unique opportunity to experience gypsy culture firsthand. Follow these tips to make the most of your visit to the best gypsy horse fair in the UK. You’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
Best Gypsy Horse Fair FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions About Appleby
What is Appleby Horse Fair?
Appleby Horse Fair is the largest annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in Europe. For over 300 years, Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers have been coming together in the small town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, UK during the first week of June. The fair primarily focuses on the buying, selling, and trading of Gypsy horses, known as “Fair Horses.” Even if you’re not in the market for a horse, the fair is a vibrant cultural event featuring colorful Gypsy caravans, traditional music, dancing, and cuisine.
When is the fair and how long does it last?
Appleby Horse Fair begins on the first Thursday after the first Tuesday in June. The official fair days span from Thursday to the following Wednesday, but many Gypsies arrive earlier in the week to set up camp and start trading horses. The horse fair itself typically lasts 4-5 days, from Friday to Tuesday. However, some Gypsies remain until the following weekend. The fair has been held on these traditional dates for centuries.
What can I expect at the fair?
You can expect to see thousands of Gypsies in traditional dress, hundreds of horse-drawn bow top caravans, and over 10,000 horses of all colors and sizes. Walk through the horse fair and you’ll see horses being ridden, driven in harness, and tied to posts as they’re being bought and sold. There are also vendors selling traditional Gypsy clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and more. In the evenings, the fair comes alive with music, dancing, and singing around campfires. It’s a truly memorable cultural experience.
How do I get to Appleby Horse Fair?
The fair is held on Gallows Hill in Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, UK. The closest major city is Carlisle, about 30 miles northwest of Appleby. You can drive and park in designated parking areas around Appleby, then walk about a mile into the fairgrounds. There are also shuttle buses running from Carlisle on fair days. The nearest train station is Appleby, but extra trains are scheduled during the fair. Camping is allowed on site for those who want to stay overnight.
Conclusion
All in all, Appleby Horse Fair is a spectacular event for any horse lover or traveler looking for a unique cultural experience. Whether you go to buy a horse, watch the showing classes, or just soak in the festive atmosphere, the fair delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Britain’s Gypsy heritage.
After over 300 years, Appleby Horse Fair has endured and still draws large crowds, a testament to the pivotal role horses have played in Gypsy culture. The fair provides a platform for the Gypsy and Traveller communities to come together and celebrate their history, all while showcasing the beauty of their horses.
If you plan to visit, do some research ahead of time so you know what to expect, as the event can be quite chaotic and crowded. But with an open and curious mind, you’ll discover the magic of the Appleby Horse Fair. The sights, sounds and experiences found there create cherished memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left the rolling green hills of Cumbria behind.
Whether or not you consider yourself a “horse person,” attending Appleby Horse Fair should be on every traveler’s bucket list. After all, where else can you see such a dazzling display of equestrian splendor, experience living history, and get a glimpse into one of Britain’s most mysterious and misunderstood communities? Put simply, there’s nowhere quite like it. Appleby Horse Fair is a cultural phenomenon like no other.
