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Horse-power travellers head for Fair

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By Fiona Reid
Annan and Eskdale
Horse-power travellers head for Fair

TRAVELLERS with horse-drawn caravans have been passing through the region on the way to the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE . . . horse-drawn caravans passed through Annan this week enroute to Appleby

 

Around 40,000 people, including many from Scotland and Ireland, are expected to descend on the Westmorland town for the historic event from Thursday June 8 to Wednesday June 14.

While gentle paced horse-drawn vehicles created interest among other road users, drivers were warned by police on both sides of the border to be extra-vigilant and be prepared for delays at times.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “We are committed to keeping the roads as safe as possible throughout the whole Fair.

“It is important for all road users to be aware of the large number of slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles and to drive accordingly.

“For those travelling on horse-drawn vehicles, please make sure that you are visible to other road- users particularly on the major routes.”

The spectacle, including a hillside stalls area and a road where horses with traps travel at speed as they are put through their paces, is one of the largest gatherings of Gypsies and Travellers in Europe and increasingly attracts other visitors, including many from Dumfries and Galloway.

 

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