AN AUTHOR and county councillor who has written a book about the Appleby Horse Fair has reflected on the event ahead of its commencement today.

Cllr Andy Connell said the impression he had been given by police and from his own excursions around the area was that the huge numbers that were predicted at the event this year were not going to materialise.

The fair usually attracts thousands of gypsies and travellers to the area. It was cancelled last year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Connell, who has written a book, There'll always be Appleby, about the Horse Fair, said the event was one that 'comes with the territory' of Appleby.

"It's been going since 1775," he said.

"So, if you live in Appleby, you know it's happening, and people's reactions vary.

"Many residents have their normal routines disrupted by a lot of people, and some enjoy it and feel it brings a bit of unaccustomed excitement.

"I think there are positives.

"There's no trade for gypsies and travellers.

"It [the Horse Fair] is a very big deal to them because their way of life has largely been legislated out of existence over the last 60 years."

Cllr Connell said the fair was initially set up for drovers of cattle and sheep.

As rail power became more popular, the cattle and sheep side of the fair dropped off and horses became more prevalent at the event.

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