The following is released on behalf of the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG)

A month ahead of the 2023 Appleby Horse Fair, Fair-goers who bring trailers (towed caravans) are being reminded of the importance of planning ahead and not arriving too soon.

The number of stopping places is limited, with changes to previous years.

Of particular note is Great Asby, which will no longer be a tolerated stopping place. No facilities will be provided and people who have previously used the area or intended to use the greens within Great Asby in 2023 are requested to make alternative stopping arrangements.

You can find the list of updated available temporary stopping places here http://www.applebyfair.org/travellers/stopping-places

Gypsy and Traveller representative  Billy Welch, a member of the Multi Agency Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), who work to make the Fair safer each year, said: “The call for people not to arrive too soon goes out each year but it is an important message which I urge people to take on board.

“We are continuing to see the number of temporary stopping places fall year-on-year so I ask people to think carefully about their travel plans and to only set off early if you must – such as those with bow tops who obviously have no option but to set off early.

“People with towed caravans – please do not to come too soon, particularly with the loss of some important stopping places.

“People who do set off early should stay far out from Appleby to lessen the impact.

“Finally, and most importantly, I ask everyone to be extra careful on the roads to make sure that everyone completes their journey safely.”

Steph Cordon, Chair of the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) and Director of Thriving Communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “For all the agencies involved in responding to the Fair, we want people to travel as safely as possible. Arriving too soon can cause unnecessary problems on the road network so we request that people plan ahead and do not set off sooner than they need to.

“The on-going trend of a reduction in temporary stopping places continues to be a concern. As a MASCG, we are always seeking to add temporary stopping places so we would urge any local landowners who think they may have suitable land they could make available to please contact the Westmorland and Furness Council.”