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Appleby Horse Fair Concludes After Near-Record Turnout and Major Cleanup Effort

Cleanup crews clear fields strewn with debris following the fair’s conclusion on June 12.

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Overview

  • The fair attracted about 10,000 Gypsy and Traveller community members and 30,000 visitors, with drones recording 1,307 caravans and bowtops—the highest turnout since 2014.
  • Cumbria Police made 123 arrests, primarily for drink or drug driving, and reported no serious violent incidents during the six-day gathering.
  • RSPCA officers carried out 372 interventions, issued 18 warnings and removed 14 equines for welfare concerns while returning many animals to their owners.
  • Fields were left littered with rubbish, tents and abandoned vehicles, prompting a multi-agency cleanup operation expected to finish by the end of the week.
  • Organisers implemented traffic controls, added 62 litterbins and extra toilets, and used drone technology and multi-agency coordination to enhance safety and community engagement.