Appleby Horse Fair 2022 in pictures as thousands of travellers arrive in Cumbrian town

The fair, which starts on Thursday, June 9 this year, was moved back a week so as not to overlap with The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The annual event is expected to attract up to 10,000 members of the gypsy, Roma and traveller communities. 

The 250-year-old fair which is regarded as the biggest traditional gathering of the community in Europe could bring up to as many as 40,000 visitors to the area. 

Crowds gather to watch the washing of horses in the River Eden at the Horse Fair in Appleby, Cumbria, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Appleby Horse Fair returns for 2022

Travellers have already started to arrive with their horses and carriages as the festival gets underway. 

Some community members have been spotted washing their horses in the River Eden which flows through both Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.

Traditional horse-drawn carriages and caravans have also been seen moving into the area as camps are set up nearby. 

A traveller rides a horse in the River Eden at the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in Appleby, Cumbria.Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

The festival has returned after the last two fairs in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the pandemic.

The fair will include a market on Jimmy Winter's Field set to feature stalls selling everything from fashion to horse-related wares.

Ahead of the fair, motorists in the surrounding area have been warned to take extra care since there will be horses and carts on the roads.

The Appleby Horse Fair social media accounts will be sharing news and updates throughout the fair including advice on where to park and road closures. 

People attend the Horse Fair in Appleby, Cumbria, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers. Credit: Own Humphreys/PA Newswire

Residents can also attend a daily meeting online or at Appleby Town Hall from June 8 to 12 to raise any concerns. 

Cumbria Police has used the event to raise awareness of the various channels available to locals to report their concerns.

The Police have introduced some changes to traffic regulations to allow local roads to be opened and closed when required

While temporary toilets have also been increased in the lead up to the festival.

The travellers site at the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in Appleby, Cumbria. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Newswire

There is an option dedicated to Appleby as part of Cumbria Police’s non-emergency 101 number service which also has a call-back facility to ensure concerns can be addressed without long waits.

There are also online reporting options available on the Cumbria Police website.

Superintendent Matthew Kennerley, who is in charge of policing the Appleby Horse Fair, would also welcome people giving feedback to any of the 100 police officers who will be working around the town this year.