As the annual Appleby Horse Fair approaches, the picturesque villages around Appleby are already bracing for an influx of visitors. Known as Europe’s largest gathering of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community, the fair is anticipated to attract around 30,000 attendees, 10,000 of whom are expected to belong to the travelling community. However, this year, the chaos appears to have started earlier than usual, generating anxiety among local residents in Kirkby Lonsdale and surrounding areas.

Long accustomed to the disruption that accompanies the fair, locals are witnessing heightened tensions, sparked by an early arrival of travellers ahead of the fair’s start date of June 5th. Reports indicate that law enforcement has had to contend with a series of offences, including burglary, criminal damage, and threats of violence. In a particularly alarming incident, officers handcuffed a 10-year-old boy as part of their efforts to maintain order in an environment already charged with frustration. This incident, captured on video by the child’s mother, has raised concerns about police conduct, leading to accusations of excessive force when no weapon was ultimately found.

While the figures for crime and disorder associated with the fair have fluctuated in recent years, data shows a substantial increase in both arrests and animal welfare incidents during the 2023 event. With 42 arrests reported—up from 18 in 2022—a trend towards proactive policing has emerged, where officers have been deployed in greater numbers to address potential violence and ensure the safety of both residents and fair attendees. A Cumbria Police spokesperson acknowledged the challenges presented by the influx and the community’s concerns, asserting that the aim is to create a safe environment for all involved.

Reports of vandalism have marred the lead-up to the fair, with local landmarks such as the Kirkby Lonsdale Cricket Club suffering significant damage. The pavilion, a key facility within the community, has been left in ruins after a series of break-ins and attacks. The cricket club’s spokesperson expressed heartbreak over the destruction, noting that many had worked tirelessly to make the venue a welcoming space for all. Complaints have also emerged regarding racially charged incidents, further escalating community tensions.

Amidst these challenges, the situation has prompted local business owners and residents to take measures to deter travellers from setting up in their communities. Initiatives have included blocking entrances to car parks with shipping containers, and local farmers have expressed frustration over previous incidents where horses grazed in their fields, damaging crops. As a reflection of their sentiments, signage and barricades have been erected in hopes of dissuading caravans from parking in sensitive areas.

This year’s fair also heralds a discussion on potential changes, including the consideration of a ticketed system to help cover policing costs—an idea that has divided local opinion. Proponents argue that it could enhance order, while detractors caution it may not address the underlying issues plaguing the event.

The Appleby Horse Fair, steeped in over 250 years of tradition, is a cultural landmark for many within the GRT community. The event allows families to come together, purchasing and trading horses and sharing in a cultural heritage that includes age-old rituals such as washing horses in the River Eden. Despite the challenges faced annually, many in the travelling community perceive the fair as a significant gathering, likening it to a familial reunion far greater than just a market event.

However, in confronting these emerging tensions and heightened incidents, the event may continue to evolve as police and community leaders listen to the concerns of locals while still working to honour the traditions of the fair. The coming days will be critical as all parties prepare for the mix of heritage and modern challenge that the Appleby Horse Fair undoubtedly brings.

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Source: Noah Wire Services