My big fat Gypsy horse fair: Travellers turn up for annual event which sees small Cumbrian town's population swell from 2,500 to 40,000

From the Mail

Revellers descended on a town today to attend a famous fair featured in the hit TV series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Gypsies and members of the travelling community from around the British Isles flock to Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby, Westmorland, Cumbria, to meet friends, celebrate their music, history and folklore and buy and sell horses.

The Fair, which kicked off yesterday, has existed under the protection of a charter granted by King James II since 1685. It is one of the key gathering points for the community.

During the five-day event that runs from Thursday to Sunday the population of the small Cumbrian village usually swells from around 2,500 to over 40,000.

This year up to 3,000 caravans and 10,000 Travellers are expected, as well as 30,000 visitors. Last year organisers believe numbers were up because of publicity from the Channel 4 television programme.

One of the highlights is washing and grooming the animals on sale before being ridden at high speed along the 'mad mile' for the viewing of potential buyers.

Billy Welch, who took over organising the event from his father, also called Billy, when he died 13 years ago, said it was an honour and privilege to organise it.

Mr Welch, who lives on a Travellers' site in Darlington, has attended the event throughout his life and only missed it a couple of times due to work commitments.

He said: 'Appleby Horse Fair is the most important event in the Gypsy and Traveller calendar. It is literally our Mecca.

'There is a great atmosphere here. It has been a bit windy and showery, but everyone’s in a good mood. The weather didn’t spoil the jubilee.

'This is the most unique event on the planet. There is no other event like this in the world, and we think ourselves very lucky and very fortunate to have managed to hang onto it. But it’s not just for us, it is for anyone to attend.'

Cumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, who is leading the operation to police the fair, said: 'Appleby is attracting a lot of people with families who have come to enjoy the event this weekend.

'So far there was only one minor issue of congestion in the town this morning. Our aim is for everyone to enjoy a safe, family friendly event.'