A new date for Appleby horse fair has been finalised.

After being cancelled for only the second time in its history, as a result of the pandemic, it has now been moved to a later date.

Yesterday (April 20) the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group met again to discuss plans for the 2021 Appleby Horse Fair.

An agreement was reached that MASCG would support the Fair to take place from Thursday, August 12 – subject to any potential changes in Government regulations and recommendations around large events.

Les Clark, Chair of the Appleby Horse Fair MASCG and Deputy Chief Executive of Eden District Council, said:

“In reaching this decision the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group has had to weigh many factors.

“It is preferable for everyone involved – local settled people, Gypsies and Travellers and the local authorities – for Appleby Horse Fair to happen on a set date. Had no date been set, there would be an increased likelihood of ad hoc gatherings which nobody would be prepared for.

“Whilst the Government roadmap currently states that large events can take place from 21 June, it was the preference of the MASCG that a new date for Appleby Horse Fair be selected later into the summer to allow the vaccination programme valuable extra weeks to roll out.

“Selecting a date has been a difficult process. As the traditional date is not viable, there has had to be compromise on all sides. As Chair of the MASCG I would like to thank everyone for their patience and for their willingness to find common ground during what is a difficult time for everyone.”

The plans will obviously be impacted if there are any changes to the Government’s Roadmap or any other restrictions are deemed necessary by the Government.

Mr Clark said: “The MASCG will monitor the situation over the coming weeks and months with regards any changes in the Government’s regulations, recommendations and guidance – particularly with regards large gatherings.

“Supporting a safe Fair is and will continue to be the principle objective of the MASCG and everyone involved.

“It is important for people to recognise that the same rules with regards the Coronavirus will apply to everyone so, if restrictions continue to be lifted as planned, people will be free to travel throughout the UK, including to Appleby.

“It is also important that everyone understands the reality of Appleby Horse Fair. It is a gathering and not an organised event. As such, we rely heavily on good faith and a positive relationship between the local, settled community, the Gypsy and Traveller community and all the supporting services and organisations involved.

“We ask that the Gypsy and Traveller community sticks to the August date and urge people not to make plans for visits at other times.

“It is also important to stress that the change in date will not set a precedent. These are exceptional circumstances and, as life returns to something approaching normality, the expectation will be that the Fair returns to its traditional date.”

Billy Welch, Gypsy and Traveller representative on the MASCG, said: “While the Gypsy and Traveller community would have been happier for the Fair to be held earlier in the summer, we are happy with the compromise date identified by the MASCG.

“Everyone will have the opportunity to plan a summer break in the UK so it is important that the Gypsies and Travellers who wish to do so have the same opportunity.

“However, I urge people to stick to the August date and not to make plans to come at other points in the summer.”