Trailer Trashed

The annual media outcry at the environmental impact of Appleby Fair rarely examines the clean-up and the cultural differences visible in different parts of the fair. Sherrie Smith investigates who really is responsible for the environmental impact of the world’s largest Gypsy and Traveller horse fair.

Every June, the annual Appleby Horse Fair transforms the small Cumbrian town of Appleby-in-Westmorland into a vibrant hub of cultural heritage, drawing thousands of Romani people, Irish Travellers, and visitors from across the globe. This historic event, steeped in tradition, brings both celebration and challenges, particularly regarding sanitation and waste management.

Traditionally lasting for a week, the Appleby Horse Fair has evolved over the past two decades into a focused four-day event, commencing on a Thursday. Estimates suggest that around 8,000 to 10,000 caravan dwellers, primarily Gypsies and Travellers, attend, alongside an additional 20,000 to 30,000 visitors. This influx swells the town's population from 3,000 to over 40,000, highlighting the fair’s significant impact on the local community.

The many farmers/ Campsite landowners are responsible for their own clean-up, while the Westmorland and Furness Council oversees public areas, highways, and temporary stopping places. Billy Welch, the tenant of Fair Hill, manages the cleanup, water, and toilet facilities on that field. Having myself spent considerable time over many years staying on Fair Hill, I can vouch for the dedicated litter-picking team that tirelessly works long hours to keep the area clean.

Although Billy Welch is not obligated to cover additional costs, the Fair Hill Committee has raised £24,000 from charitable funds, which has been donated to both the Westmorland and Furness Council and Appleby Town Council. This funding will assist with extra toilets and clean-up efforts in unauthorized stopping places, especially near Brough, and is expected to be utilized over the next three to four years, providing much-needed facilities for attendees.

However, the recent closure of several licensed premises in the town has raised concerns about toilet availability. These establishments previously provided vital facilities for the fair’s visitors, and their absence has led to increased tensions among residents regarding sanitation issues.

Community Responses and Recommendations

In response to these challenges, the Appleby Fair Communities Group (AFCG), a self-styled “community group” whose membership remains hidden was formed to address residents’ grievances over sanitation and rising levels of anti-social behaviour. Unlike Appleby Town Council and local councillors who are elected to represent the views of local people and are largely supportive of the fair, the AFCG has actively challenged public agencies on their management of the fair. Consultations with Eden District Council and Appleby Town Council have resulted in recommendations for 16 additional toilet units at key locations, with an estimated annual cost of approximately £5,480, currently covered by funds raised by the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The collaborative efforts between local authorities and the Gypsy and Traveller community have produced significant results. Total funding for improvements has increased to £20,000, including a contingency fund, with portions allocated to clean up unauthorized sites along the A685, demonstrating the practical benefits of these funds.

On May 26, the AFCG called for the fair's closure due to sanitation concerns, garnering media attention. Notably, during a public meeting following the fair, the issue of toilet provisions did not arise as a complaint, suggesting a positive shift in community sentiment. Many within the Gypsy and Traveller community, including us at Drive 2 Survive believe that the AFCG is racially motivated whose sole mission is to end the ancient horse fair.

Policing Concerns and Community Safety

Policing during the fair has also been a topic of discussion, with some residents voicing complaints about heavy-handedness in 2022. However, attendance numbers increased in 2025, indicating that policing strategies were not detrimental to the fair’s success, countering claims that enforcement was “killing the Fair.” This year, statistics revealed that over half of the arrests were related to drug driving, primarily involving cocaine. This issue reflects a national trend rather than being isolated to the Appleby Fair, underscoring ongoing challenges of drug-related offenses across the country.

Environmental Impact and Responsibility

While the Appleby Horse Fair remains a vital cultural touchstone for the Romani and Traveller communities, the environmental impact poses ongoing challenges. The Market Field, a primary area for stall trading, often accumulates substantial waste, particularly from commercial traders not belonging to the Traveller community. However, this field is cleaned within 48 hours of the fair ending, restoring it to the beauty of Cumbria.

As the fair continues to grow, maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and environmental responsibility is crucial. Enhanced waste management strategies and community engagement will be essential to ensure that the fair can thrive while respecting the natural landscape.

In conclusion, the Appleby Horse Fair highlights the complexities of celebrating cultural heritage in a modern context. Through collaborative efforts and community-driven initiatives, stakeholders are addressing sanitation challenges and showcasing the importance of cooperation in preserving both tradition and public welfare.

For comparison, the estimated cost of cleanup at Appleby is 48p per attendee, whereas Blackpool incurs a cost of £1 per person annually, and Glastonbury takes six weeks to clean up at approximately £3 per person. The media's focus on Appleby often seems rooted in bias rather than factual evidence, underscoring the need for a fairer portrayal of the event and its community.

Sherrie Smith

Director/co-founder Drive2Survive

Chief officer /founder GaTE (Gypsies and Travellers Essex)