Weary locals are used to the disruption and disorder that accompanies the annual Appleby Horse Fair, but are bracing themselves for trouble as, in some areas, the influx of an anticipated 10,000 travellers has started early.
A special police task force has so far dealt with offences of burglary, criminal damage, racist abuse, knife crime and faced a torrent of criticism after finding it necessary to handcuff a 10-year-old boy. The surge in crime around quaint Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria is causing anxiety amongst locals because the fair isn’t even due to start until Thursday June 5th.
So far local sporting venue, Kirkby Lonsdale Cricket club has seen its pavilion smashed up, as no windows remain in the wooden structure. Residents of the historic town have also been threatened and intimidated.
There has been petty vandalism at a campsite and a knife waved during a confrontation between locals and traveller children.
All the complaints have led the police to the makeshift camp in a layby at the town’s Devil’s Bridge where dozens of caravans have congregated ahead of the fair in Appleby, which is 40 miles away.
A field has been handed over by the town for the gypsies to graze their horses as a safety measure to make sure they aren’t causing a hazard tethered on roadside verges.
Police Make Multiple Arrests of Children
Cumbria Police have confirmed they arrested three 10-year-old boys on May 23 following reports of criminal damage and burglary in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Police received several calls during the morning reporting a group of boys causing damage at a caravan park in the area. Shortly after, at around 12.40pm, officers were called to a reported burglary at a property on Lunefield Drive.
Two of the boys were arrested on suspicion of burglary. The third was arrested on suspicion of burglary, criminal damage, and a racially aggravated public order offence.
All three have since been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
Handcuffing Incident Sparks Controversy
In a separate incident on May 22, Cumbria Police responded to online concerns about two boys being handcuffed by officers in South Cumbria.
South Lakes Police issued a statement about the incident, which happened at around 11.30am in Kirkby Lonsdale: “We received a call for service from a member of the public reporting a group of boys on the path by the River Lune, one of whom threatened the caller with a penknife.
Due to the report of a knife, the boys were handcuffed for their and officers safety while the searches were completed. A search was carried out and no knife located, and the handcuffs removed.
Europe’s Biggest Gypsy Gathering
The 2025 Appleby Horse Fair is scheduled to run from Thursday 5th June to Wednesday 11th June, with the main days being Thursday 5th, Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June.
Appleby Horse Fair is an annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in the town of Appleby in Westmorland, which takes place over a week in early June. It attracts around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers, plus over 30,000 other visitors, making it unique in Europe.
Police Operation in Full Swing
Superintendent Lee Skelton, Silver Commander for the 2025 Appleby Horse Fair operation, said: “As we head towards the 2025 Appleby Horse Fair, officers are working to identify and take enforcement action against the minority of individuals who travel to the county intent on committing offences or those who come here after committing offences elsewhere.
“This will enable the vast majority of people attending the Fair, who are law-abiding, to enjoy it. Where there is evidence of criminality, officers will be swift in taking appropriate action to ensure everyone has a safe Appleby Fair.”
Temporary Stopping Places
There are in excess of 80 locations in Cumbria commonly used as temporary stopping places by Travellers on route to and from the fair, though not all are used.
Authorities have been urging travellers not to arrive too early. “The overriding message is please do not come early to the Fair, places to stop on route are limited and are needed by those who have no vehicular transport,” according to the Appleby Fair website.
Historic Town Under Pressure
Kirkby Lonsdale, a picturesque market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, has been particularly affected by early arrivals this year.
The town’s Devil’s Bridge area has seen dozens of caravans congregate in a layby, leading to increased police activity and community tensions.
Safety Measures Implemented
To manage safety concerns:
- A field has been provided for travellers to graze horses, preventing them being tethered on roadside verges
- Speed restrictions have been implemented on various roads
- Temporary traffic calming measures will address concerns about excessive speeds of horses and sulkies
- Licensed premises have agreed to restricted hours during the fair period
Community Response
While the majority of fair-goers are law-abiding, the incidents in Kirkby Lonsdale have heightened tensions ahead of what is normally a celebration of Gypsy and Traveller culture.
Police continue to emphasize they are targeting only the minority who commit offences, while working to ensure the vast majority can enjoy the historic fair safely.
The Multi Agency Coordinating Group for Appleby Horse Fair continues to monitor the situation and has published updated traffic management plans for this year’s event.
