Travellers arrive from near and far to Appleby Horse Fair 2019

Thousands are set to Westmorland for the biggest gathering of travellers in Europe.

The first travellers have arrived at the Appleby Horse Fair – the biggest of its kind in Europe.

The fair in the Westmorland area of Cumbria attracts around 10,000 travellers and about 30,000 visitors every year.

Members of the travelling community gather to buy and sell horses and socialise over six days.

It’s due to kick off tomorrow, but eager participants have turned up ahead of schedule and are camping on the sides of nearby roads.

They can be seen tending to their horses and smoking outside traditional caravans as they wait for the fun to begin.

Although it’s mainly about horse trade it’s also an opportunity for the travellers to share stories and catch up.

People will be showing off their horses by walking them up and down the motorway and wash them in the River Eden.

Pictures show travellers hitting the motorway in traditional caravans and motorhomes as they make their way to the fair.

Traffic is reportedly jammed on the A66 near the sign and signs are in place warning drivers to slow down for the carriages.

One sign read: ‘Danger. Appleby New Fair risk of injury from horses your safety cannot be guaranteed enter at your own risk.’

The infamous horse fair generates some controversy with complaints of mess being left in the town, violent crime and animal cruelty.