News

Cumbria Constabulary is working tirelessly alongside partner agencies and forces as the 2025 Appleby Horse Fair approaches.

The public drop-in meeting will be held at Appleby Public Hall, from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.

With the 2025 Appleby Horse Fair a little over a month away, Fair-goers who bring trailers (towed caravans) are being reminded of the importance of planning ahead and not arriving too soon.

To improve engagement prior to this year’s gathering, agencies from the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordination Group (MASCG) are holding a community drop-in event on Wednesday 14th May 2025 between 5pm and 8pm at Appleby Public Hall.

National Highways have announced work on the A66 which may impact those planning to travel to Appleby from the North-East of England.

Engaging with all the communities involved in Appleby Horse Fair is a vitally important part of the MASCG's work. Understanding the needs of the people living in and around Appleby helps the MASCG plan to ensure that the Fair is a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. The agencies and representatives of the MASCG are committed to engaging with local communities through regular member led drop-in sessions.

Twenty-four awards have been given out in celebration of the best horse health, happiness, and horsemanship at this year’s Appleby Horse Fair, including a Vet’s and People’s Champion.

The RSPCA says overworking of horses was a significant animal welfare issue at this year’s Appleby Horse Fair.

The Saturday of Appleby Horse Fair 2024 was one of the busiest in recent years, with the number of caravans and bowtops in attendance up on last year. Last year saw 1,197 bowtops and caravans recorded at the Fair. However, this year’s Fair saw 1,287 bowtops and caravans, which was still down on the 2015 record high of 1,297.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a horse was worked to death at Appleby Horse Fair. The stallion – a three-year-old skewbald trotter, 14hh – collapsed at Jubilee Bridge at around 3pm yesterday (Wednesday 5th June).