Council warn over ‘harmful’ fakes sold at Appleby Fair market

Market traders at an annual fair are being asked to check their goods are genuine and safe, after more than £500,000-worth of fake items were seized during last year’s event.

Counterfeit goods sold during the 2024 Appleby Horse Fair, in Cumbria, included alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics and electrical products.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards manager, Catherine Hornby, warned those shopping at the market may not be aware buying fake goods could be “harmful”.

Billy Welch, spokesperson for the Gypsy and traveller community, pointed out the adjoining market is not connected to the traditional horse fair, but said the majority of its traders sell genuine products.

“There are the odd travellers who set up and sell pots, but there are a lot there from all walks of life,” said Mr Welch.

He said “80- 90% of people on the stalls are from the settled community”.

“The large majority of the travellers are on Fair Hill,” he added.

This year’s Appleby Horse Fair – now in its 249th year – takes place between 5-11 June.

The annual event is one of the largest gatherings for Gypsies and travellers in Europe, with its key focus being the sale and showing of horses.

The adjoining market is separately organised by a local farmer, Jimmy Winter. The BBC has contacted Mr Winter for comment.

Ms Hornby said market traders should purchase their goods from reputable suppliers and obtain written assurances the products are genuine.

At last year’s fair, 2,500 fake sunglasses were uncovered, along with nearly 200 bottles of perfume with counterfeit Cartier, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior trademarks.

Toys and electrical goods should be marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, and should have a serial number. They should also carry the UKCA or CE mark, which offers assurances of authenticity and safety.

“The risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods – such as sunglasses that don’t provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods – are obvious,” she said.

“At best you will waste your money on a sub-standard product, at worst you may purchase something that is harmful.”