BRIGG HORSE FAIR 2020: REPORT, REFLECTIONS & 24 PICTURES

Brigg Horse Fair 2020 went ahead as planned on Wednesday, August 5 - the traditional date - and enjoyed perfect weather, with summer sunshine and a breeze to take the edge off the temperature.
The authorities had declared that the event - held on North Lincolnshire Council land but organised by the gypsy/traveller community- should be cancelled in view of the Coronavirus emergency and restrictions on sizeable gatherings.
But with no comment forthcoming from the council in the days leading up to the fair, right up to 9.30am on Wednesday it remained unclear whether the event would proceed. 

A statement from the police in recent days, however, made no mention of action being taken to stop the fair.
Those spectators who decided to visit Station Road yesterday found things pretty much as usual on horse fair day.
The attendance was somewhat lower than we expected to see. Clearly some spectators decided to stay away because of the virus emergency, while others had viewed the comments by the council suggesting this year's fair should not happen.
There were fewer horses with traps being ridden up and down Station Road during the 2020 event. However, the number of supporting stalls showed an increase, selling a range of goods including cooking pots and horse brasses. They were located on Station Road, together with an ice cream van and a snack bar.
 

As ever the historic brightly-painted and traditional gypsy caravans, crafted from wood, attracted plenty of attention, as did displays of halters, reins and bridles.
 

Former Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley, pictured above, was among those who went down to take a look at the fair while donning a protective face-mask.
 

Other regular supporters of the fair from Brigg included brothers Andrew and Fitz Driscoll, seen here.
 

Humberside Police were at the site throughout the morning, adopting a softly, softly approach and talking to fair-goers.
Constables and police community support officers walked through the site which filled the former railway station goods yard and approach - land that has been disused for many years.

 

Jon Corken was also at the fair, taking pictures for the Scunthorpe Telegraph and its Live website. View his images online through this link. We gather that a selection will appear in this week's paper, on sale from today - Thursday, August 6.