Cumbria Police have deployed live facial recognition technology and intensified security operations at the annual Appleby Horse Fair, which began on June 4, 2026.
The event marks its 250th anniversary this year, attracting approximately 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers along with more than 30,000 other visitors.
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Security Operation Largest of the Year
The week-long gathering celebrates traditional Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller culture, featuring horse dealing, riding, and community business.
Security measures for 2026 represent the largest annual operation for Cumbria Police, involving over 200 officers working around the clock over the weekend.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, the GOLD Commander for the fair, stated that the high-tech cameras are intended to deter disruptions and enhance the overall experience for attendees.
“The vast majority of the Gypsy Roma and traveller community would like live face recognition here because they feel safe,” he explained.
Quintin added that feedback from the community indicated higher attendance this year due to the sense of safety provided by the technology.
“We make no apologies for targeting criminality as part of this operation,” he said.
Prior to the fair, police worked with the National Stolen Vehicle team to screen arrivals.
On May 30, they recovered four stolen items: a car, two horse boxes, and a wood-chipper.
“Many of those attending the Fair are law abiding citizens; however, we will not hesitate to take action where we find vehicles to be stolen,” Quintin said.
Police will continue vehicle checks throughout the event across all communities.
Community Support for Surveillance
Billy Welch, the Gypsy and traveller representative on the fair’s organising group, expressed support for the enhanced measures, noting their prevalence in modern public spaces.
“Every major festival, every large gathering like Appleby, if you go through the airport, they've got facial recognition,” Welch said.
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He indicated that the technology does not disrupt the traditional spirit of the gathering.
“It's just everywhere. It's just a part of life now.
And myself, personally, I'm not really bothered about it. The majority of Gypsies and travellers don't mind it at all.
And if you've done nothing wrong, well, you've got nothing to worry about,” he added.
Long-time visitor Danny Jones from Cardiff highlighted the positive atmosphere at the fair.
“The atmosphere you got here, you can't buy it. You've got to come here, and you've got to experience it,” he said.
Jones, who has attended for three decades, described the travelling people as honourable to deal with.
“I bought off them, I sold to them, friendly with them. I really enjoy it,” he said.
To manage the influx of travellers moving through County Durham toward Cumbria, the local council established eight temporary stopover areas (TSOAs) available until June 25.
Councillor Dawn Bellingham, the council's cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, encouraged attendees to use these stops.
“These TSOAs are provided every year, and we would encourage people attending Appleby Horse Fair to use them, as they provide a safe and convenient place to stop,” she said.
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The designated rest stops include Westerton Lay by, Gurney Valley, Broomielaw Picnic Area, Guide Post Corner in Bowes, Land at Stainton Bank, Shaw Bank Field, Wackerfield Lay by, and Winston Corner.
