The future of Eden’s Winter Droving is uncertain – and its organisers are calling for people to support it to make sure it can go ahead.
Spiralling costs mean this year’s event is already facing a £15,000 shortage – but Eden Arts hopes the public will pull out all the stops to help make it happen.
It is launching an online campaign next Tuesday, July 2, and is asking people to give what they can.
Since 2019 Eden Arts have been making a loss on the event that is now threatening the long term future.
The yearly loss has been growing and now the organisers are appealing for help.
It is supported by local businesses and funding also comes from Arts Council England, Westmorland and Furness Council, Penrith BID, Penrith Lottery and Penrith Town Council.
However, organisers said, it does not cover the ever increasing costs.
Now in its 13th year, to date the festival has seen over 235 Cumbrian musicians and performers grace the stages and streets of Penrith, and over the years enhanced the local economy by £12 million since it started.
It attracts around 25,000 people to the town.
Director Adrian Lochhead said: “We want to keep the Droving happening in Penrith, we love it as much as everyone does, but every year the costs go up, partly due to the growing scale of it due to it’s success, and partly due to the fact that everything just costs more.
“So we have come up with some ways that we think people might like to help to keep it going. The fact is that unless we do something we won’t be able to continue indefinitely, this year we are currently facing a shortage of £15,000, but we feel sure that we can tackle that with the public’s help.”
Eden Arts has the opportunity to meet the shortfall by using the platform Big Give. Donations by the public are match funded by donors and businesses.
Leo Group, theidol.com, The Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and Ast Signs have pledged £10,000 in total to the campaign, alongside additional sponsorship of the event, and Eden Arts must raise an additional £10,000 from the public to reach their goal and release the pledged funds.
Adrian said: “If every visitor from last year were to donate just £1 we would smash this target! But we understand not everyone will be able to do so. We take pride in the fact the Winter Droving is accessible to absolutely everyone and we want to keep it that way.
“So, if you are able to contribute even a small amount it means we can keep this treasured event going – and if you can’t please share our campaign as much as you can!’’
Eden Arts are appealing to local businesses, individuals and other organisations to share the campaign for a limited two-week period when they will be open for donations.
