HORSING AROUND
When was the Appleby Horse Fair 2019, where is it held and how many people usually go?
TRAVELLERS have now departed from the town of Appleby after taking part in one of the world's most popular annual horse fairs.
The fair, in the Westmorland area of Cumbria, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
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When was the Appleby Horse Fair 2019?
The annual fair ran this year from Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9.
Around 40,000 people showed up this year, including 10,000 travellers who braved the heavy rain in nearly 1,200 caravans.
The fair is primarily about buying and selling horses but it is also an opportunity for travellers to swap tales and let their hair down, enjoying the socialising and friendly atmosphere.
The earliest record of the fair is in a charter from Henry II, dating from the 12th century, but it is believed to have an even longer tradition than that.
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Where is it held?
The fair is held in the market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, in Cumbria, North West England.
Traffic is often at a standstill on the A66 near the festival site as thousands hit the main roads in traditional caravans and plush motorhomes.
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Dozens of caravans and cars have been pictured on the grass verge of the A685 near Appleby-in-Westmorland.
In 2019 the local council has restricted the numbers allowed to park up and attend the fair, and increased police presence in the area.
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The town has a population of just over 3,000 people.
It is situated on a loop of the River Eden.
The town is overlooked by Appleby Castle.
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What happens at the fair?
The event is primarily about buying and selling horses.
Sellers race and ride their horses up and down a main road to allow prospective buyers to assess their form and fitness.
The washing of the horses in the river Eden in preparation for their sale is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century.
Buying and selling of horses at the fair is done by cash-in-hand transactions and do not take place at an official auction.
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