EXCLUSIVEOn the Appleby catwalk: Cowboy hats, bare flesh, Gucci belts and lashings of fake tan are the order of the day at traditional horse fair as travellers show off their favourite looks
Fake tan, bare flesh, cowboy hats, Gucci belts and Louis Vuitton handbags - the Appleby catwalk was in full swing today as a travellers showed off their favourite fashion on day two of the horse fair.
Scores of women wore skimpy outfits and showed off designer labels while attracting almost as many admiring glances as the horses being ridden around the market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria.
The style-conscious members of the travelling community ignored overcast skies and the risk of fake tan running during occasional rain showers as they stepped out on what has become known locally as the Appleby catwalk.
One woman donned a belt by fashion house Gucci paired with a Louis Vuitton handbag while others wore tight fitting dresses, crocs and Ugg boots. Men wore Under Armour tracksuits and trendy Addidas trainers.
Many of the young and not so young women sported false eye-lashes, heavy make-up and glamourous hair-dos as they strolled around the market stalls set up in a field selling clothing, household items, toys, fast food and horse-riding accessories.
Two girls appear to be less than impressed with their horse's attempt at walking down some stairs
An array of Gucci designer items and fur coats were on display today at day two of the fair
Scores of women wore skimpy outfits and showed off designer labels while attracting admiring glances
Two style-conscious members of the travelling community parade along the streets on what has become known locally as the Appleby catwalk
Thousands of people will flock to Cumbria for the annual Appleby Horse Fair
Punters ignored overcast skies and the risk of fake tan running during occasional rain showers to attend the second day of the horse fair
People appeared to be in a good mood as they soaked up some nice weather
These four pose for the camera with a smile with pints at the horse fair
Others in short skirts or tight trousers took to horseback or hitched rides horse-drawn 'sulky' buggies for the short journey into the town centre, where horses were ridden into the River Eden beside the main bridge.
Many of the well-dressed women included young mothers with children in buggies or walking beside them.
Designer accessories on display included Chanel, Gucci and Dior handbags as well as Luis Vuitton Pochette Félicie bags costing more than £1,000 each and a Chanel flap bags which retail at more than £5,000.
Meanwhile other women sported Christian Loubotin and Gucci belts, sometimes paired with frayed skimpy shorts and crop tops.
Some opted for practical Crocs all-weather footwear while tending to their horses beside the River Eden, but others wore Balenciaga trainers and Hermes sandals or tottered around muddy fields in high heels.
Burberry style outfits including tight leggings were also in evidence while others showcased a range of gaudy colours, or chose flowing dresses, sometimes with bare midriffs on show.
Groups of lads, many with slick backed hairstyles and dressed in Boss t-shirts and jumpers with matching track suits were also seen walking about and speeding around in their horse-drawn buggies.
But it was a different story earlier in the day when some women stocking up on essentials at shops in the town appeared to be wearing pyjamas and dressing gowns before getting dressed up for the days festivities.
The horse fair which is Europe's biggest gathering of gypsies and travellers and lasts into next week is expected to attract around 40,000 visitors, most of them visiting the town today and over this weekend.
Around 30,000 of the visitors who have arrived in cars, caravans by train and even in horse drawn carriages are expected travellers, while another 10,000 are horse lovers from the settled community
Two travellers were in a good mood while sitting on top of their carriage
Travellers have gathered in Cumbria as day two of the fair gets underway
A woman takes a sip of her pint as she braves the downpours for the second day of the Appleby horse fair
The area will become adorned with modern caravans and the traditional Romany horse drawn green canvas bow caravans
One man didn't let the rain stop fim form enjoying his dinner
Some more designer gear is on display as the person on the left shows off a Louis Vuitton bag
Other members of the travelling community embraced the wet weather and took their horses for a swim in the River Eden
Irish traveller Laura Cassidy, 23, said: 'Appleby is always a big event in the calendar for travellers, and of course everyone wants to dress up and look their best.
'You might be trudging around in a field or riding a horse, but that doesn't mean you can't look the part. Travellers have always been concerned about how they look. Who doesn't want to look good.'
Another traveller who asked not to be named said: 'This is an annual event and it is chance to get together with old friends. There is lots to see and do. It is not just looking at horses.
'Of course girls want to dress up. If they are single, it is a chance to impress the boys. Appleby is a great place for families, but it is also a great place to find a new boyfriend if you want one.'
Local residents in the town which normally has 3,000 people have mixed feelings about the event which effectively takes over their town with streets being blocked off and one way systems set up.
While some profit from turning their fields into £10-a-day car parks, others have become fed up with the disruption, and many leave the town for the duration of the fair.
Rows of shops and three of the town's four pubs have closed along with the local library. But the Co-op, a greengrocers, the town's two butchers, two cafes and even a traditional sweet shop have remained open to cater for the influx of visitors.
Shops that have closed include a carpet store, a gift shop, travel agents and a clothing shop which also does dry cleaning.
Chris Wilson who runs the Sugar and Spice sweet shop said: 'We love the fair and I have no problems staying open.
'Of course there are some little idiots, but you get one per cent who are troublemakers everywhere. There are lads in this town who I wouldn't let in. I don't take much more than normal, although tomorrow I will probably do double my usual business.'
Michael Dowding who runs N & J Dowding Family Butchers, said: 'We are working our normal hours. We don't see many locals for the week because so many people leave town, but plenty of travellers come in.
Two women who came prepared for the wet weather carry umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain
One girl has an awkward struggle as two of her friends help her to mount a horse
The activities come as Cumbria Police issued an appeal for calm during this week's Appleby Horse Fair
One woman is determined to continue rocking her flawless outfit as she takes her horse for a dip in the river
The small town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria is usually home to around 3000 residents but this week will see this figure balloon to more than 30,000 as visitors
These three look to be enjoying their day as they enjoy a drink on day two
One woman was clearly not afraid of getting wet as she took a ride with her horse in the river
People attending the Appleby Horse Fair embrace the rain as they enjoy a pint on the side of the road
'They like stuff that they can cook on barbecues like steaks, lamb, burgers and sausages. They appreciate getting quality for their money. We don't have any problems with them.'
Davina Osman, 78, who runs the Collectable bric-a-brac shop in the town, said: 'I personally have a good time with the fair here. There are older members of the travelling community who enjoy old things and like to come in.'
A large number of police officers are visible on the streets of the town as well as RSPCA staff and officials from other equine charities,
Cumbria Police have appealed for calm, and said they had made two arrests yesterday for people who had allegedly obstructed RSPCA officers wanting to check on the welfare of horses
Meanwhile, the Public Hall has opened its doors for travellers to set up stalls selling Romany and gypsy memorabilia
Food stalls flogging burgers, chips, hot dogs, curries, doughnuts, giros and other fast food have lined the streets.
Meanwhile the market stall area features stalls selling baby glamour wear, alongside household items like water pales, as well as designer sunglasses and faux designer goods.
Rosina Phillips, 71, of south Wales who was visiting the fair with her border collie Bronwen said: 'It is a magical atmosphere. It is so beautiful seeing the horses, ad listening to all the sounds of people laughing and being happy.'
