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Appleby Horse Fair: Thousands descend on town for Gypsy festival

PA Media Convoy of horse and trapsPA Media
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.

PA Media Four horses being walked through the townPA Media
Horses are led through the town on way to be bought and sold
PA Media Woman on horse in river at Appleby Horse Fair 2022PA Media
The River Eden - which loops through Appleby - traditionally sees riders washing their horses before trying to sell them
PA Media Two young men riding horsesPA Media
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.

PA Media Horses in River Eden while crowd watchesPA Media
Crowds gather to watch the washing of horses
PA Media Girl on horse in riverPA Media
Many of those washing their horses choose to take the plunge themselves
PA Media Four horses being washed in Rover EdenPA Media
The tradition of washing horses in the river is a popular sight
PA Media Appleby fairPA Media
The fair is a multi-generational event for Gypsies and travellers
PA Media Youngsters in pony trap talk to a police officerPA Media
A police officer watches as four boys ride past in a pony trap
PA Media Crowds lead horse and traps through townPA Media
Travellers parade through the town as the Horse Fair gets under way
PA Media The travellers site at the Appleby Horse FairPA Media
Thousands of people have arrived at the Appleby site for the next few days
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