A HUGE clean-up operation has been launched in the aftermath of the popular Appleby Horse Fair.
Tents, burnt-out caravans and sofas were left behind by thousands of travellers who attended the six-day event in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.
Burnt-out vans were left behind by travellers following the event[/caption]
Horse-drawn carts and caravans left behind huge trails in the mud[/caption]
Left over food and drink could be seen scattered around the field[/caption]
Ariel shots of the campsite showed muddy trails across the fields, which were lined with mounds of rubbish.
Stacks of discarded food and drinks could also be seen scattered around the area in the historic market town.
Grazing horses were pictured surrounded by toppled port-a-loos and cardboard boxes following the travelling community’s departure.
Police tape and fences surrounded one burnt-out caravan on the campsite.
It comes after a fire broke out at the 340-year-old event on Saturday afternoon.
Shocking footage on social media showed smoke billowing into the sky as fire crews tackled the blaze.
Clouds of black smoke also rose high above the fair as attendees watched on in horror.
Many were even forced to cover their faces with jumpers and coats to avoid inhaling the toxic smoke.
Stall holders then continued to dismantle their tents and tables next to the fire as it was slowly brought under control.
During this time, police officers also formed a barricade in order to protect groups of people from getting close to the fire.
Black bags and rubbish lined the muddy trails around the site[/caption]
It comes after a fire broke out at the 340-year-old event on Saturday afternoon[/caption]
It is estimated that 10,000 gypsies and travellers attend the annual event[/caption]
It is estimated that 10,000 gypsies and travellers, as well as 30,000 other visitors, attend the fair each year.
The 340-year-old fair typically features traditional music, dancing, horse riding, market stalls and horse sales.
Horsemen and women have been seen riding their horses in the nearby River Eden as part of a long-held tradition.
Market stalls are also propped up across the tiny town – home to around just 3,200 people – selling a variety of traditional traveller goods and horse-related products.
Grazing horses were pictured surrounded by cardboard boxes[/caption]
Overturned port-a-loos were among the rubbish left behind this morning[/caption]
The 340-year-old fair typically features traditional music and market stalls[/caption]
