Town in ruins as caravans and fields left full of litter after annual fair
Town in ruins as caravans and fields left full of litter after annual fair
The annual Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria, which has been running since the 12th century, was expected to attract about 10,000 members of the Gypsy and traveller community, and as many as 30,000 visitors, but left fields strewn with rubbish
A field full of litter after the Appleby Horse Fair
(Image: PA Wire )
A small town has been left in a shocking state with deserted caravans and litter-filled fields following the conclusion of a fair. An estimated 10,000 members of the Gypsy and traveller community, along with 30,000 visitors, were anticipated to descend on Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, significantly outnumbering the town's 3,200 inhabitants.
Over the weekend, footage surfaced of a van engulfed in flames, a heavy police presence, and horse-drawn carriages speeding down the town's typically tranquil streets. Images of the aftermath of the Appleby Horse Fair reveal the burnt-out vehicle and fields blanketed in rubbish.
Additional photos depict caravans, empty crates, cardboard boxes, what appears to be bedding, and once picturesque fields marred by tyre tracks and transformed into muddy paths. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here .
A video of the fire on Saturday (June 7) was circulated on social media. It depicted a large crowd gathered around as the Ford Transit van and nearby tents were consumed by flames, with plumes of smoke billowing across the fair.
Police and fire crews responded to the blaze shortly after 11.40am, with officers putting out the fire. Cumbria Police stated on Sunday that the cause of the fire was not being treated as suspicious and no one was injured, reports the Express.
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Cumbria Police officers and Furness Council Trading Standards were also seen investigating stalls at the fair, which took place from June 6-12.
On Sunday, attendees at the fair were cautioned about "fast-moving" horses and carriages that were quickly traversing rural lanes. The coordinators of the event referred to Appleby as a distinct affair, noting the presence of swift and tied-up equines throughout the locale.
In anticipation of the event, organisers issued an alert, prompting those attending to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
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