A massive event with no formal organisation that draws in tens of thousands of people to a tiny town with a population of 2,500 kicks of this weekend – and many of the locals are nervous
A wild event is set to kick off for its 2024 edition that sees a whole town shut in the name of ponies.
Appleby Horse Fair sees punters come from far and wide to take part in the festivities in what is hailed as the biggest traditional Gypsy Fair in Europe.
The massive event in Appleby-in-Westmorland sees some pubs feel obliged to close and has even rubbed a number of locals up the wrong way.
Many local businesses make the decision to shut for the event, while others prefer to ride headfirst into celebrations.
Last year, locals labelled the event the “Wild West” following a perceptions survey shared with the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald.
Some 89% of the 500 respondents said that the event left them feeling unsafe, with the data being regarded by event organisers as the first comprehensive local feedback data gathered in the festival’s 250-year history.
A further 93% of people felt that the local taxpayer should not have to pay for the policing and clear-up costs associated with the event.