All systems go for Appleby horse fair
12 April 2002
Europe’s largest travellers’ horse fair is set to go ahead in June
Hundreds of travellers and their horses are expected to converge on Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, this summer to take part in one of the biggest social and trading events in the travellers’ calendar.
The Appleby Horse Fair (6-12 June), which is nearly 400 years old, was cancelled last year because of the FMD crisis.
“Before last year, the last time the event had been cancelled was in 1750,” said chairman of the organising committee, Keith Morgan.
“We expect travellers to come from all over the UK, plus some from Europe.”
The fair is a big tourist attraction for the area, with a market and other events, including harness racing, taking place alongside the trading.
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“The committee is delighted that this year’s fair will go ahead,” continued Keith.
“The economic and cultural loss to Appleby and its visitors caused by last year’s cancellation is something we would not wish to see repeated.”
Although FMD restrictions have been lifted, visitors will be asked not to bring animals, other than horses, to the fair.
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