The Appleby Horse Fair is back for 2022 after a two-year hiatus leading many to ask what the festival is all about.
Thousands of travellers from across Europe have already started to arrive in the Cumbrian town.
The fair, which starts on Thursday, June 9 this year, was moved back a week so as not to overlap with The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The annual event is expected to attract up to 10,000 members of the gypsy, Roma and traveller communities.
The 250-year-old fair which is regarded as the biggest traditional gathering of the community in Europe could bring up to as many as 40,000 visitors to the area.
How long does Appleby Horse Fair last and 2022 dates
The Appleby Horse Fair begins on June 9 this year, a week later than usual after the Jubilee.
The festival is usually held over the first weekend of June.
The Appleby Horse Fair will run until June 15 this year with the main days being Thursday to Sunday.
READ MORE: Road closures announced for Appleby Horse Fair
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Appleby Horse Fair 2022 location
The fair is held outside the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria.
You will find the fair where Roman Road crosses Long Marton Road which is not far from Gallows Hill.
Be extra careful if heading to the Flashing Lane.
— Appleby Horse Fair (@ApplebyFair) June 9, 2022
Be aware of your surroundings and look out for fast-moving horses. pic.twitter.com/55KDWeldWS
Visitors will be able to see the horses getting washed in the River Eden before they trot down the 'flashing lane' on the fair's main days.
The fair also includes a market on Jimmy Winter's Field that features stalls selling everything from fashion to horse-related wares.
Advice to locals for Appleby Horse Fair 2022
Ahead of the fair, motorists in the surrounding area have been warned to take extra care since there will be horses and carts on the roads.
The Appleby Horse Fair social media accounts will be sharing news and updates throughout the fair including advice on where to park and road closures.
Residents can also attend a daily meeting online or at Appleby Town Hall from June 8 to 12 to raise any concerns.
Cumbria Police has used the event to raise awareness of the various channels available to locals to report their concerns.
The Police have introduced some changes to traffic regulations to allow local roads to be opened and closed when required.
There is an option dedicated to Appleby as part of Cumbria Police’s non-emergency 101 number service which also has a call-back facility to ensure concerns can be addressed without long waits.
There are also online reporting options available on the Cumbria Police website.
Superintendent Matthew Kennerley, who is in charge of policing the Appleby Horse Fair, would also welcome people giving feedback to any of the 100 police officers who will be working around the town this year.
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