Image demonstrating Motorists asked to take extra care in run up to Appleby Horse Fair

Motorists asked to take extra care in run up to Appleby Horse Fair

 

 
Motorists driving through parts of Northumberland over the next few weeks are being warned to take extra care as the travelling community makes it way to and from the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

In particular drivers are being asked to be mindful of the traditional horse drawn wagons, known as a Vardo, which will be making their way through the county over the coming days and weeks.

The annual fair takes place this year from Thursday 6 June to Wednesday 12 June with travellers following the same routes established more than 100 years ago. The migration period through Northumberland starts 10 days before and lasts for upto 10 days after the fair dates.

The main routes affected by the migration are:

A69 - Newcastle to Hexham
A695 - Ryton to Hexham
A686 - Haltwhistle to Alston and return
B6305 - Hexham to Langley
“B” route through Ponteland/Belsay/Matfen/Heddon-on-the-Wall and Horsley to Hexham
 
The annual Appleby Horse Fair in the town of Appleby-In-Westmorland, Cumbria attracts around 5,000 travellers from across the UK and Europe who attend the event to buy and sell their horses. It has existed under the protection of a Charter granted by James II since 1685.

For more information, advice and directions for motorists go to www.applebyfair.org and for information regarding the route plan contact Northumberland County Council, Gypsy Roma Traveller Liaison Officer 01670 623051 / 07867670456.  
 
 
 
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