Over the course of the week-long event, Appleby and surrounding areas saw an influx of horse traders, families and spectators, with the River Eden at the centre of activity. As in previous years, scenes of horses being washed and paraded through the town attracted crowds and photographers alike.
The Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group said preparations had focused on public safety, animal welfare and minimising disruption to residents. Temporary road closures, traffic management measures and additional policing were in place throughout the fair.
The fair, which dates back more than 300 years, remains a significant cultural event, continuing to balance tradition with modern regulation.
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Billy Welch during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Thursday June 4, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Thursday June 4, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Travellers arrive in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers, which begins on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Travellers arrive in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers, which begins on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages pass a police officer putting up a sign about live facial recognition during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Thursday June 4, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Travellers arrive in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers, which begins on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Police cars heading up the road as travellers arrive in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers, which begins on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Travellers arrive in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers, which begins on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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A family poses for a photo at the campsite during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026 (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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A child poses for a photo beneath a horse-drawn carriage during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People attending the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People attending the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Thursday June 4, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People attending the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People at the campsite during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby, Cumbria. Picture date: Friday June 5, 2026. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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People in horse drawn carriages during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of the travelling community in Appleby. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
