Thousands of people are expected in Penrith later this month for the town’s Winter Droving.
The festival, which saw around 25,000 people attend last year, will be held on Saturday October 25.
Organisers Eden Arts said it will be one of the biggest yet, featuring an expanded market, new Young Drovers zone, art village, and a record number of street performers.
As evening falls, tradition will take centre stage with the festival’s torchlit procession.
People are invited to join this magical parade of lanterns, music, and costumes as it winds through the town’s streets, illuminating Penrith in a celebration of the turning seasons.
The event’s future was briefly in doubt earlier this year due to funding pressures, but renewed backing from the Penrith Business Improvement District and major sponsorship from Leo Group have secured its return for 2025.
Adrian Lochhead, director of Eden Arts, said: “Support from Penrith BID and Leo Group truly kept the festival alive this year.
“There was a real moment of uncertainty, but thanks to their commitment, the droving will once again light up Penrith.”
Anyone wishing to join the evening procession can register online via the Eden Arts website or sign up on the day at the Winter Droving information stall beside the Musgrave Monument.
Young participants are especially encouraged to get involved by wearing animal masks and join the march.
Thanks to funding from the Westmorland and Furness Council’s Locality Fund, this year introduces a new Young Drovers Area on Middlegate — a dedicated space for youth performances, workshops, and creative activities celebrating Penrith’s emerging talent and cultural future.
The day’s festivities kick off at 11am. The Drover’s Cup begins at 1.30pm on King Street, featuring light-hearted competitions like egg-throwing, hay bale racing, and the finale, Mashed, where contestants race to devour a plate of mashed potatoes to claim the title of champion.
The programme this year includes musicians such as Tryckster, The Maybe Band, Nobody’s Friends Shanty Group, Bjamba, Raven Aisling, Aaron Potter and the NE Rails, Ant Tomaz, Martin Ibbotson, Baybeat Street Band, Kev Kendal, Georgina Gale and Street Beats, with street performers such as The Penrith Twining Association, Nula Hula, Logy on Fire, Darryl Carrington, Felicity Footloose, Mr Ian Marchant and Symmetry Circus.
The Winter Droving is made possible through funding from Arts Council England, Westmorland and Furness Council, Penrith Town Council, Penrith BID, plus key support from title sponsors the Leo Group.
