Watery welcome to the Appleby Horse Fair

David Briganti, 18 months, from Gateshead, sucks on a ‘golden’ dummy.

Gypsies and travellers began filling the quiet Cumbrian town of Appleby with bow top caravans yesterday for the start of their annual Horse Fair.

More than 40,000 people – 10,000 of them gypsies and travellers – are expected to attend over the weekend until the traditional UK event officially closes on Tuesday.

The fair is a highlight of the travelling community’s calendar and is unique across Europe. It transforms Appleby, which usually has a population of 2,500, into a hub of activity with horses trotting up and down the flashing lane or pulling sulkies.

Most non-traveller visitors come to watch the horses being washed in the River Eden or to browse stalls at the informal market, but the fair’s purpose is more like a giant family reunion than an organised event.

Horses are bought and sold through private arrangements, rather than an open auction, and many traveller and gypsy women wear colourful, traditional outfits throughout the weekend, giving the fair a jovial, festive atmosphere.

Appleby Horse Fair has received greater public interest in the UK since appearing in a popular TV series, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Animal charity the RSPCA has urged all visitors to leave their dogs at home as the weather is forecast to be hot and sunny in Cumbria over the weekend, especially since last year two overheated canines were removed from hot cars and their owners cautioned.