Cancelled Winter Droving Can Keep £5,000 Given by Town Council

During a private meeting of Penrith Town Council on Monday 26 January 2026 with the press and public excluded from the meeting from the item, With just eight of the fifteen Penrith Town Council members attending the meeting the eight councillors attending resolved that a £5,000 Signature Events Grant paid by the town council to Eden Arts for the 2025 Winter Droving will not be required to be repaid to the town council.

The Council was satisfied that Eden Arts decision to cancel the event was made responsibly acting on the advice of an independent health and safety organisation. 

The Winder Droving was cancelled less than 24 hours before the event was due to take place over concerns that strong winds would cause a safety risk if the event took place.

Eden Arts had informed the Town Council that the £5,000 grant was spent on legitimate pre-event costs directly related to planned delivery (including planning, safety and supplier preparations) and that these monies cannot be recovered.

By not seeking repayment, the Town Council said it hopes that the £5,000 supports the viability of the Winter Droving returning in 2026, strengthening the event’s financial position and enabling planning to commence earlier and more confidently.

A Spokesperson for Penrith Town Council said: “Eden Arts acted properly and in good faith in response to independent health and safety advice. Our decision not to reclaim the grant recognises those sunk costs and backs the potential return of the Winter Droving in 2026”.

“We remain firmly committed to supporting high-quality cultural events that bring people into Penrith, boost our local economy, and celebrate our town.”

Adrian Lochhead, Eden Arts Director said: “We are grateful for the Council’s continued support and understanding. While the decision to cancel the 2025 Winter Droving was incredibly difficult, it was made with public safety firmly in mind. The Council’s recognition of the unavoidable costs already incurred enables us to look ahead with renewed confidence.”