Appleby Fair website has been re-vamped in order to make it easier to navigate for all.
This has been part of the planning for Appleby Horse Fair, with local agencies joining forces to ensure the necessary services are delivered to allow this year’s event to run as safely and smoothly as possible.
For the fifth year running, a Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) has been set up to ensure the agencies work together to share skills and knowledge to support the Fair.
The group is chaired by Eden District Council with support from representatives from the Gypsy and Traveller communities, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Constabulary, the RSPCA, Trading Standards and other agencies.
The information on the website has been contributed by all of the agencies and provides details on stopping points and camp sites on the traditional route to the Fair; any road closures, road safety measures and public transport in the area; pubs which are open during the event; animal welfare and details on cultural and community activities.
Appleby Fair is a unique event, attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers from across the world and 30,000 other visitors who transform the small market town of Appleby, which normally has a population of 2,500.
Robin Hooper, Chief Executive of Eden District Council and Chair of the MASCG said: “The MASCG was set up to help facilitate the Fair. It is our job to provide visitors and local residents with the services required to ensure the Fair is safe and enjoyable for all. The planning for Appleby Fair is an year around process and a lot of work goes into making the event a successful one each year. Appleby Fair is a pivotal event in Gypsy and Travellers’ calendar and culture, and it is regarded as a traditional holiday where distant family members come to meet.
“Our aim is to keep everyone updated of any changes to the event and provide them with as much information as possible in order for them to plan their route and travel, have an awareness of the facilitates available whilst at the fair. The website has proven to be a very useful tool in getting the information out of all members of the communities involved.”
The upcoming Fair is set to take place between Thursday 7th June – Wednesday 13th June.
Cumbria Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer, is the officer in charge of directing the policing operation of the Fair. She said: “We are in the fifth year of the MASCG and each year we build on the last in an aim to help deliver a safe event for all. We have invested a large amount of time ensuring the communities of Cumbria feel safe and reassured that we are working with partners to minimise disruption in the lead up to and during the event, but we are equally committed to working alongside Gypsy and Travellers to facilitate a safe and traditional fair.
“The website is an important tool for all, for those who are travelling into the County and want to plan their journey, those who want find out information about trading, local residents who want to know about the tidy up, and those who are just visiting for one of the days and want to know what to expect. We are constantly developing the policing of the Fair and the organisations which are involved in MASGC enable us to dedicate the correct resources to different aspects of the Fair in an aim to provide a safe event for all. As with every Fair, respecting each other’s needs and differences is the key to the success of Appleby Horse Fair 2012.”
A reminder to everyone who attends Appleby Horse Fair that this is a Fair where there are a lot of horses present and everyone involved in the organisation of the Fair would ask that people take care.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information contact the Communication Officer at Eden District Council tel: 01768 212137.
