Don’t arrive too soon ahead of Appleby Horse Fair

A month ahead of the rearranged date for Appleby Horse Fair 2021, Fair-goers who bring trailers (towed caravans) are being reminded of the importance of planning ahead and not arriving too soon.

The number of stopping places available for people travelling ahead of the fair continues to fall each year and this year is no exception.

You can find a list of available temporary stopping places at www.applebyfair.org/

Of particular significance, it should be noted that Watter Yat – a well-used temporary stopping place in recent years for dozens of caravans – has not been made available by the landowner.

Gypsy and Traveller representative  Billy Welch, a member of the Multi Agency Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), who work to make the Fair safer each year, said: “Every year we urge people not to traveller too soon to the Fair and this message is usually welcomed.

“This year in particular, there are fewer temporary stopping places so we urge people to only set off early if you must – such as those with bow tops who obviously have no option but to set off early.

“People with towed caravans – please do not to come too soon, particularly with the loss of some important stopping places such as Watter Yat.

“People who do set off early should stay far out from Appleby to lessen the impact.

“Finally, I ask everybody to stay safe on their journey and to make sure they continue to wear masks whenever possible.”

Les Clark, Chair of the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) said: “For all the agencies involved in responding to the Fair, we want people to travel as safely as possible.

“This means not coming too soon if it is not necessary so as to avoid creating problems on the road network.

“As a MASCG, we are always seeking to add temporary stopping places so we would urge any local landowners who think they may have suitable land they could make available to please contact the District Council.”