THIS year's Appleby Horse Fair, which kicked off on June 9, couldn't have started on a better day weather-wise.

In the centre of Appleby were thousands of visitors from near and far who came to witness the unique gypsy and traveller culture, including traditional wagons, caravans, and horses being washed in the river - a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

It's an event of broad interest, and it's not just gypsies and travellers at the event - many of the people in attendance are tourists and countryfolk.

Alongside some negativity and assorted concerns - stemming from slow traffic on the road, noise, litter, and animal cruelty concerns which have preceded the event - there was also a general sense of wonder, delight and community.

News and Star: VISIT: Basil O'Reilly (left) and Samuel Bradshaw, who have come up from southern England.VISIT: Basil O'Reilly (left) and Samuel Bradshaw, who have come up from southern England.

The event had only just started this morning with horse riders galloping into the town centre or hitching up at one of the many nearby campsites that circle the town.

These campsites had catering provided by businesses slinging fast food, and from the outside looking in it looked like a town of its own.

Concerns that people had about the event had been heard by the constabulary; the town was bristling with cops keeping things civil and helping people navigate the busy roads.

Temporary chief superintendent Matthew Kennerley's main message was to 'keep patient and be tolerant on the roads'.

The care of animals was also the main interest of the RSPCA, with their main message being to not bring, buy or sell dogs at the event.

Les Clarke, chair of the fair’s multi-agency strategic coordinating group, was grateful to the gypsy ad traveller representative for being flexible on moving the date of next year’s fair to accommodate the celebrations of the Queen’s Jubilee.

READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair 2022 - annual gathering of gypsies and travellers gets underway