The Gypsy and Travelling community is rejoicing after it has been confirmed the Appleby Horse Fair is to go ahead – though later in the year than normal.

Since the fair was cancelled last year, business owners and the community had been worried the event would be cancelled for a second year.

The announcement that it will go ahead from Thursday August 12 has seen people welcome the idea as it will help give the town a much-needed financial boost.

Appleby Horse Fair was cancelled last year for only the second time in its history (the first was during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis). But the leader of the travelling community, Billy Welch, hopes that most people will have been vaccinated by then, especially those most vulnerable.

The fair – traditionally held in June – is the largest gathering in the county and can attract more than 10,000 visitors over its four days, being one of the most colourful events held in the region each year.

Keeping the event under control requires significant resources to make sure it is both safe and successful for visitors and residents.

Mr Welch, known as the Shera Rom or Head Gypsy, has been involved with the fair all his life and made a promise to his father to preserve it. He has spent more than 20 years trying to make the fair the best it can be.

He said: “The fair is all ready to go. We had everything in place and we just needed to confirm a date.

“It’s not the date we wanted, but it will work out the best. We all have to compromise.

“The entire community is excited and we’re looking forward to getting back to some normality.

“I want to stress that people should not go to Appleby in June – if they do they could jeopardise the gathering in August.

“This will be unique. It is the first time we have ever changed the date, but we’re all just looking forward to getting back there and seeing family and friends.”

On Tuesday the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (or MASCG) met again to discuss plans for the 2021 fair.

An agreement was reached that the group would support it taking place from August 12 subject to any potential changes in Government regulations and recommendations around large events.

The group's chair, Les Clark, said: “In reaching this decision the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group has had to weigh many factors.

“It is preferable for everyone involved – settled people, Gypsies and Travellers and the local authorities – for Appleby Horse Fair to happen on a set date.

“Had no date been set, there would be an increased likelihood of ad hoc gatherings which nobody would be prepared for.

“While the Government roadmap currently states that large events can take place from June 21, it was the preference of the MASCG that a new date for Appleby Horse Fair be selected later into the summer to allow the vaccination programme valuable extra weeks to roll out.

“Selecting a date has been a difficult process. As the traditional date is not viable, there has had to be compromise on all sides. As chair of the MASCG I would like to thank everyone for their patience and for their willingness to find common ground during what is a difficult time for everyone.”

The plans will obviously be impacted if there are any changes to the Government’s roadmap or any other restrictions are deemed necessary.

Mr Clark said: “The MASCG will monitor the situation over the coming weeks and months with regards any changes in the Government’s regulations, recommendations and guidance – particularly with regards large gatherings.

“Supporting a safe fair is and will continue to be the principle objective of the MASCG and everyone involved.

“It is important for people to recognise that the same rules with regards the coronavirus will apply to everyone so, if restrictions continue to be lifted as planned, people will be free to travel throughout the UK, including to Appleby.

“It is also important that everyone understands the reality of Appleby Horse Fair. It is a gathering and not an organised event. As such, we rely heavily on good faith and a positive relationship between the settled community, the Gypsy and Traveller community and all the supporting services and organisations involved.

“We ask that the Gypsy and Traveller community sticks to the August date and urge people not to make plans for visits at other times.

“It is also important to stress that the change in date will not set a precedent. These are exceptional circumstances and, as life returns to something approaching normality, the expectation will be that the fair returns to its traditional date.”

Billy Welch, who sits as the Gypsy and Traveller representative on the MASCG, said: “While the Gypsy and Traveller community would have been happier for the fair to be held earlier in the summer, we are happy with the compromise date.

“Everyone will have the opportunity to plan a summer break in the UK so it is important that the Gypsies and Travellers who wish to do so have the same opportunity.

“However, I urge people to stick to the August date and not to make plans to come at other points in the summer.”

The fair was set to take place on June 3 but as a result of the pandemic there was a possibility it would be cancelled again.

Although there are some people who don’t like the gathering, the financial implications this would have on the town for a second year could have been huge.

The Gypsy and Traveller leader said: “The thought of it not going ahead was not worth thinking about but people's lives are more important – I have had Covid and it’s not a conspiracy, it’s real.

“I now want people to continue getting their vaccination and do their bit to help. This last year has taught us all some valuable lessons: you don’t know what you have got until it is gone and you realise how important the little things are.

“Just being able to meet with your family and friends is so important. In the last year there have been so many changes and so many things have happened.

“When we all get the chance to finally meet up with each other we won’t be able to stop talking.”

In the last year thousands of people have lost loved ones but he hopes that once people have all the vaccinations they will be able to cherish those round us once again.