Penrith’s Winter Droving will return later this year, organisers have confirmed.
The event, on October 25, will go ahead thanks to the intervention from Penrith BID and the backing of local partners including Leo Group and theidol.com.
The award-winning Droving has grown from a volunteer parade into a full-day celebration of creativity and community, with a torchlight and lantern parade, live music, street theatre, colourful community installations, family attractions, food and craft stalls, and the ever-popular Drovers Cup and dog fancy-dress contest.
In 2024, more than 25,000 people enjoyed the day, with around 10,000 lining the parade route at its peak, organisers said.
Eden arts director Adrian Lochhead said: “Thanks to the BID and support from Leo Group, idol.com and the many companies who have sponsored lanterns, we’re thrilled to confirm the Droving will take place in October.
“This festival showcases local, regional and national talent, brings vital visitors to Penrith, and fills the town with pride.”
Penrith BID chairman Darren Broad said: “We are proud to invest in such a unique event that not only celebrates the character and creativity of Penrith, but also delivers real benefits to local businesses.
“The Winter Droving is a shining example of how culture and community come together to create lasting impact — not just economically, but in the vibrancy it brings to the town.”
Organisers said despite the support, there was still a funding gap.
They said its growth had made it a victim of its own success and if this year’s event ran at a loss, it’s future could not be guaranteed.
They added: “Rather than dwell on that risk, the Droving team is inviting the town to join the celebration and help strengthen the festival’s future.”
It is asking people to show their support by
- You can buy a Winter Droving lottery ticket — help fund the festival and be in with a chance of winning.
- You can also support the Droving via the portal on the Eden Arts website — donate, sign up as a Friend or register to volunteer.
- There are always lots of QR codes around town in the lead up to the Droving that take you straight to the supporters page.
- Businesses: consider a sponsorship package, there are a few opportunities left.
Adrian added: “Every contribution — large or small — helps keep this free festival thriving. We’re enormously grateful to the BID and everyone who has already committed support.
“Now we’re asking the wider community to join them so the Droving can continue to put Penrith on the map and through the Lottery ticket approach you may win something!
“We are all busy working on the programme which will be great as usual. There are still opportunities for bands to suggest themselves, for traders to join the market and for the public to sign up to join the parade – last year was the biggest event ever, let’s keep going!”
