Appleby Horse Fair: Thousands descend on town for Gypsy festival

Families and friends in a convoy of horse and traps travel though the Cumbrian town

Thousands of people have arrived in Cumbria for the Appleby Horse Fair.

The gathering for Gypsies and travellers, one of the largest in Europe, was postponed to avoid clashing with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

More than 30,000 people are expected at the event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The fair is a celebration the heritage of the travelling community and traditionally provides an opportunity for trading horses.

Horses are led through the town on way to be bought and sold

The River Eden - which loops through Appleby - traditionally sees riders washing their horses before trying to sell them

Despite the large numbers of horses in Appleby there is barely a saddle in sight

It is the first full June gathering for three years, after last year's fair was put back until August.

In 2020, people were asked to stay away because of Covid - previously the event was only cancelled in 2001 during the foot and mouth epidemic.

Crowds gather to watch the washing of horses

Many of those washing their horses choose to take the plunge themselves

The tradition of washing horses in the river is a popular sight

The fair is a multi-generational event for Gypsies and travellers

A police officer watches as four boys ride past in a pony trap

Travellers parade through the town as the Horse Fair gets under way

Thousands of people have arrived at the Appleby site for the next few days

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