A day at the races! A photo-story by Eszter Halasi
![A day at the races](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/heritage/epsom-derby-01062024-3.jpg?itok=VUcu1nQ1)
Thousands of people arrived for the annual Epsom Derby, which is usually held at the end of May or the beginning of June.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-5.jpg?itok=NJAFOJr8)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-2.jpg?itok=aZgTqerQ)
Many Romany Gypsies and Travellers were among the crowd as spectators and participants.
![Ezster Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-1.jpg?itok=Gs12Z8jf)
![Ezster Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-60.jpg?itok=VqiVcwLh)
The Travelling communities' links with the Epsom Derby goes back to its origins in the 17th century.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-13.jpg?itok=7VRO7QoR)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-12.jpg?itok=3YZD9rQM)
The weather was a bit windy, but the Gypsy Traveller community's stalls, which are present every year, were there as usual.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-230.jpg?itok=A9waWTwt)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-250.jpg?itok=lPBVstQT)
A huge funfair welcomed visitors, catering mostly to the youth.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-170.jpg?itok=B9vfeD7U)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-9.jpg?itok=0lVEWPdq)
People could place bets on the winning jockey and relax in the large area rented by the community, which was located right next to the racecourse.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-21.jpg?itok=CEQ1wAV9)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-19.jpg?itok=JxzXWSug)
The smell of BBQ and sugary donuts filled the air, with colourful people picnicking together and enjoying the opportunity to escape and lose themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of a day at the races.
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-22.jpg?itok=iUZe-EJA)
![Eszter Halasi](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/paragraphs/images/2024-06/epsom-derby-01062024-xxxx.jpg?itok=YqYISHQ5)
Photographs and words by Eszter Halasi - Exclusive for the Travellers' Times