Appleby Horse Fair

The river has re-opened at Appleby Horse Fair to allow the traditional horse washing to take place. It was closed yesterday due to safety fears after the water level rose following heavy rain-fall. This morning, the multi-agency partnership running the event decided it was now safe to open.

The section of river in Appleby that is used for horse washing will remain closed this evening because of heavy rain-fall. It's been shut for most of the day due to concerns about the safety of horses and riders.

It's expected it will re-open in the morning but that decision will be made on the weather conditions overnight. Tens of thousands of gypsies and travellers are attending the annual event.

Following another review of the river in Appleby, the multi-agency partnership in charge of the operation at the Horse Fair has decided to keep the horse washing area closed.

Heavy rain-fall means the water is very deep and potentially dangerous for horse and rider.

It will be reviewed at 3.30pm.

The horse washing area in the river at the Appleby Horse Fair will remain closed because the level of the water is potentially dangerous for horses and riders after heavy rain-fall.

It peaked at 1am this morning at a level of 1.23 metres. Anything over 1 metre is regarded as a potential dangers. The level is receding but will be reviewed again at 2pm.

Heavy rain-fall overnight has led to the main horse washing area at the Appleby Horse Fair to be closed. Concerns were raised at the daily meeting about the river level in the town where the traditional activity takes place.

A road closure is also in place at Market Field to stop cars getting on to the area because of the muddy conditions. Police are asking people to slow down after an 11 year old girl was hit by a sulky horse cart

ACC Michelle Skeer said "She was not seriously injured but it highlights the need for everyone to take their time. We welcome everyone who is visiting the show today and hope they have a safe and enjoyable day."

40,000 visitors are expected to visit Appleby in Cumbria as the annual Horse Fair gets underway. Police are warning of significant delays on the surrounding roads over the next 6 days.

The event is the biggest of its kind in Europe and is major date in travelling community's calendar. Police say hundreds of caravans have already arrived on sites around Appleby and Ravenstonedale.

Routes most likely to be used over the coming days include the A66. Drivers are being urged to drive carefully and those steering carriages have been asked to be as visible as possible.

Thousands of members of the gypsy and traveller communities are arriving in Cumbria ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair. The six day event starts tomorrow and is the largest of its kind in Europe. Forty thousand visitors are expected to descend on the town over the weekend.