Appleby Fair
The Golden Years
Behind the scenes at Appleby Horse Fair, Cumbria
What's it About?
The Romany gypsies began their wanderings in India in the early 1500’s, and they are still wandering today. In this film you will gain an insight of gypsy culture, their way of life and the highlight of their year as they gather at the famous Appleby Horse Fair.
The sleepy little Cumbrian town of Appleby-in-Westmorland undergoes a transformation in June each year. For several weeks beforehand gypsies, travellers and horse dealers can be seen on the roads in their magnificent horse-drawn living wagons as they head for the famous Fair Hill. In this film you will witness the town coming alive with the hustle and bustle of gypsies, horses, dealers and tourists all gathered for the selling and racing of horses that is the mainstay of the fair. You will see the sights and sounds of the fair that has reputation world-wide, attracting visitors and travellers from all over the globe.
Watch the horses being prepared and washed in the river Eden, and see an award winning farrier at work. Meet some of the colourful characters who are regulars to the fair. Included is a special tribute to Appleby Fair's Showman Johnny Eagle.
