Appleby Fair, Cumbria, UK

The project celebrates Appleby horse fair, which is held annually in early June. Between 10,000 - 15,000 English and Welsh gypsies, Scottish travellers and Irish travellers gather to buy and sell horses, meet with friends and relations, and celebrate their culture. These different ethnic groups share a similar lifestyle, and many Gypsies and Travellers regard Appleby Fair as the most important date in the calendar. It remains one of the largest of their gatherings and is most probably the oldest. The fair is held outside the town of Appleby, Cumbria where the Roman Road crosses Long Marton Road, not far from Gallows Hill (named after the public hangings that were once carried out there.) Of special interest is "the washing of the horses" in the River Eden in the town centre and the trotting of the horses up and down "Flashing Lane", as it is known to the gypsies (Long Marton Road). This shows the horses off at their best - no doubt important for trading purposes.