ABSTRACT
In a tradition going back since James II granted a Royal Charter in 1685, each June approximately 15,000 Gypsy Travellers and an estimated 30,000 non-Gypsy people visit Appleby Horse Fair held near the River Eden in the UK. This annual event is portrayed in two ways in the tabloid media: 1) with a patronising gaze; or, 2) with a focus on mess, anti-social behaviour, and animal cruelty. Observations and interviews with Travellers, locals and other visitors disentangle myth from reality to show commonalities of experience; for example, a celebration of Gypsy Traveller culture and business opportunities as well as shared concerns over tradition versus commercialism, and whether Gypsy horse fairs may be evolving to the point that they are losing their sense of authenticity.
