Public Safety

Thousands of people attend Appleby Horse Fair each year and do so safely. However, Appleby is a unique event, with fast-moving, as well as tethered horses around the town for the duration. People are asked - particularly first time visitors - to make sure they are aware of steps they can take to stay safe.

The Flashing Lane

The Flashing Lane is a stretch of Long Marton Road, north of Appleby, where horses are traditionally shown off by being "flashed" or trotted at speed.

Whilst the stretch of road is closed off during the Fair, the spectacle attracts high numbers of people who watch the horses and carts go by from the side of the road.

People visiting this area during the Fair are urged to be cautious and to keep their wits about them.

Stay out of the carriageway as horses move at speed and cannot be quickly stopped if something or someone steps into their way.

Please take particular care during periods of wet weather, when the road conditions are likely to be more slippery for horse and people.

The River 

During the Fair, particularly when the weather is fine, horses will regularly be walked down to the River Eden via a ramp on The Sands to be washed - as well as displayed for the crowds of people watching on the river banks.

If you are considering entering the river - whether on foot or on horseback - please act with caution.

Give plenty of space to the horses in the river.

Please be particularly cautious at times of high river-levels when currents can be stronger than they appear and unseen obstacles may be not visible beneath the water surface.

At times of high river-levels, the ramp to the river may be closed as a public safety measure. If this is the case, please respect the closure and stay out of the river.

The river can also be dangerous at times of little rain and low river levels, with the water so shallow that any fall could risk injury.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to ‘float to live’:

  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged
  • Relax and try to breathe normally
  • Move your hands to help you stay afloat
  • It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
  • Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

If someone else is in trouble in the water:

  • Call 999 for help
  • Tell them to float on their back
  • Throw them something that floats

Travelling around Appleby during the Fair

Do not jump on and off moving vehicles - including carts - or horses whilst travelling around Appleby and the surrounding area.

Doing so is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury - even where attempted at low speeds.

People should also be constantly aware of the prevalence of often fast-moving and tethered horses as they make their way around the town and its outskirts.

Generally - if driving into Appleby please drive at low speeds and expect to encounter horses and carts. Plan your journey ahead and expect delays, as well as road closures.

 

Potentially Unsafe Goods

People are urged to be aware of the potential for counterfeit and potentially unsafe goods to be on sale during the Fair.

These could include sunglasses which are not sufficiently protective of your eyesight and counterfeit perfume and aftershaves which could causes skin irritation.

In 2024, Trading Standards Officers from Westmorland and Furness Council took action at the Fair, resulting in more than £500,000 worth of goods being seized.

More: Trading Standards seize £500,000 of unsafe, counterfeit goods at Appleby Horse Fair | Westmorland and Furness Council

Please also be aware that mobile phone coverage in the town during the Fair - due to the significant increase in the number of people in the area - can be negatively impacted.