Horse Fair axed after years of ‘disruption’

THE Kenilworth Horse Fair has been axed after years of “disruption”.

Warwick District Council yesterday released a statement confirming that the event would no longer run at the Thickthorn site following a meeting between the council, police and landowners.

The fair has been held at the site three times a year since 2001 and is a popular event among traveller communities, often resulting in groups pitching caravans nearby, sometimes illegally.

Warwickshire Police have been known to increase police presence around the site while events take place.

But the council has now confirmed the event held last weekend, on September 29 and 30, was the last to be allowed to take place at the site.

The statement said: “Despite the efforts of Warwick District Council and Warwickshire Police to put traffic management, extra policing and other measures in place, the tri-annual event has often caused disruption to the town’s residents, businesses and visitors.”

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Mobbs said he was pleased with the decision to axe the fair.

He commented: “After many years of problems relating to the Horse Fair, I am pleased for the people of Kenilworth that our recent efforts supported by the police have led to the agreement that this event will no longer take place.

“Now that the agreement has been made, all parties will continue to work together to maintain good relationships within our community. “

Horse fairs are held across the country with the opportunity to buy and sell horses.

They are traditionally attended by Romany people and travellers who meet at the fairs to trade horses and get together with friends and family.