I'd certainly be interested to hear what he has to say, Ruth. The lack of proper control has dogged the event for donkeys' years:

"APPLEBY horse fair cannot be allowed to carry on "in an uncontrolled and unacceptable manner" and changes must be made to protect public safety, Eden district councillors will hear Thursday night.
Concerns about lack of organisation, management and serious safety risks at Britain's largest horse fair, which attracts thousands of travellers, gypsy horse dealers and visitors every second week in June, will be outlined to members of the environment committee".

That was back in 2003!

The Town Council, which actually owns Fair Hill, has washed its hands
of the whole affair. I think they're scared of possible legal ramifications if ever the balloon goes up.

Your friend George sounds a decent bloke, I hope you manage to squeeze some songs out of him!