A Month to Remember
- bowersjake02
- May 27
- 4 min read
Jake Bowers reviews and lists some of the great events taking place across Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2025.
Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM).
Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, change the story, and amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.
Built around the huge events that have always had a Gypsy and Traveller history, Appleby Fair and the Epsom Derby, the month is an opportunity for anyone who wants to celebrate our history and culture to do their thing. The month lost central government funding in 2010 so is now a loosely organised event.
Nevertheless, we’ve pulled together the events we know about and are going to as a handy guide below. If you have any events that are not mentioned please send them to: bowersjake02@gmail.com as soon as you can.
GRTHM 2025 listings
1st June - Manchester
Manchester: Kushti Cumpenia: A Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Celebration at Factory International
When: Sunday 1st June
Time: 12-5pm
Where: Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester, M3 4JQ
All welcome!
1st June - Wisbech
2nd June - Hertfordshire
5th June - Newcastle
As part of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month, on Thursday 5 June at Newcastle’s City Library, you are invited to take part in a special event featuring Roma ACCESS, a leading organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and recognition of the GRT community.
Understand more about the rich and often misunderstood history, identity, and cultural heritage of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
Tickets are free, but must be booked: https://GRThistorymonth.eventbrite.co.uk
4th to 11th June, Appleby Fair, Cumbria - the World’s Biggest Gypsy and Traveller Horse Fair
Appleby Horse Fair is an annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in the town of Appleby in Cumbria, which takes place on the first week in June, from Thursday to the following Wednesday, but this is essentially a weekend event the Main days being the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For more details see:
7th June – Epsom Derby, Surrey
The Epsom Derby is not only the “greatest flat race in the world” but has always had a big Gypsy and Traveller attendance as caravans and fortune tellers have gathered for many years on the Epsom Downs where people can freely watch the races.
The Betfred Derby Festival 2025 will begin on Friday 6 June at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with the first event being the popular Ladies Day. The Derby Day date is Saturday 7 June. Derby Day features seven races, including the Greatest Flat Race in the World.
The Betfred Derby 2025 will be run at 3:30pm on Saturday 7 June at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
14th June - Romany & Traveller Heritage Day 2025
Drive 2 Survive’s mobile forge will be in action for the second year running at the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading. It's just one of many things you can do at this great free event, including:
Attend the opening of our newly curated GRT gallery, The Long Road
Meet special guests and community experts. From the Romany and Traveller Family History Society, to award-winning poet Dr Jo Clement
Delve into the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artefacts and archives in the Robert Dawson Romany Collection
Bring a picnic, enjoy live music in the garden, or pick up a treat from the café
Get hands-on with activities and crafts like blacksmithing
Browse a specialist GRT bookstall in our gift shop
Time:
11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Cost: Free
Venue: The Museum of English Rural Life
The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands RoadReading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom + Google Map
18th June - Luton
20th June
Pride of Romany is a Cheshire based group that celebrates Romany history and culture. They have announced the following event will be on in the Nantwich area, but exact details are yet to be announced.
26th June - London
North Kensington Library Film Club: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
Join us for a powerful, epic and surreal drama
Educational Film Night
Location:
Date:
Starts on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 5:00pm
Ends on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 7:00pm
How to book:
Visit Eventbrite to book your free ticket.
28th June – Bournemouth Horse Fair
Location: Three Legged Cross, Wimborne, BH21 6RR
June 26th to 29th - Jim's Horse Fair
The first of two wonderful horse fair's organised by Jim Walker. It's like Appleby, but without the crowds and in the midlands!
July (becasue one month is surely not enough)
Kushti Bok’s Roma History Day has moved from June 28th to July so as not to clash with the Bournemouth Horse Fair
Date: 5th Jully 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Borough Gardens, Dorchester
Open to All – Everyone Welcome
Join us for Roma History Day, a vibrant celebration of Roma culture, heritage, and history in the heart of Dorchester.
This special event will feature:
Live Music & Performances – Experience the rich traditions of Roma music and dance.
Arts & Crafts – Enjoy traditional crafts and creative activities for all ages.
Food & Refreshments
Community Discussions – Engage in conversations about inclusion, rights, and cultural awareness.
This free event is open to all! Whether you want to learn, celebrate, or connect, Roma History Day is an opportunity to embrace diversity, heritage, and unity.
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