This annual event in Appleby-in-Westmoreland, UK, is one of the biggest gatherings of Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Travellers in Europe. The tradition of washing the horses in the River Eden is the main attraction for visitors, as well as watching riders and cart drivers going up and down, 'The Flashing Lane' and into the town. An ongoing project, currently, the majority of photographs featured here document the 2023 occurrence of the fair. Further digital images and a small number of portraits made using a vintage 'point and shoot' 35mm film camera (for the love of consumer-grade grainy colour!) were added in 2024.
All photographs © Hazel Plater
