Penrith will once again step back in time as the Winter Droving Festival returns in just over a weeks time on Saturday (25th October) , transforming the town into a vibrant celebration of art, heritage, and community. One of Cumbria's largest free events, this year's festival is set to be the biggest yet, featuring an expanded market, a brand-new Young Drovers zone, an art village, and a record number of street performers.
As evening falls, tradition takes centre stage with the festival's spectacular torchlit procession. Locals and visitors alike are invited to join this magical parade of lanterns, music, and costumes as it winds through the town's streets, illuminating Penrith in a breathtaking celebration of the turning seasons.
The Winter Droving draws around 25,000 visitors each year into Penrith and contributes an estimated £1.6 million to the local economy Eden Arts have said.
The event's future was in doubt earlier this year due to funding pressures, but renewed backing from Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) and major sponsorship from Leo Group have secured its return for 2025.
"Support from Penrith BID and Leo Group truly kept the festival alive this year," said Adrian Lochhead, Director of Eden Arts. "There was a real moment of uncertainty, but thanks to their commitment, the Droving will once again light up Penrith."
Organised by Eden Arts, the festival will feature an imaginative programme packed with entertainment — from quirky carny booths and roving street performers to live music, interactive art, and creative workshops for all ages. Expect everything from mind readers and faerie museums to the ever-popular disco tractor, mask-making sessions, and the high-spirited Drover's Cup, where teams compete in hilarious contests of skill, speed, and good humour.
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 joining the march as "Young Drovers."
With funding from the Westmorland and Furness Council's Locality Fund, this year Eden Arts have introduced a brand-new Young Drovers Area on Middlegate — a dedicated space for youth performances, workshops, and creative activities celebrating Penrith's emerging talent and cultural future.
One visitor from last year summed up the magic of the Winter Droving saying: "What a fantastic event! To see so many families out together and the town so alive on a late October evening was truly special."
The day's festivities kick off at 11am on Saturday moring, with a bustling market and funfair offering artisan goods, street food, and creative stalls — including mask-making sessions run by charities such as A Wilderness Way. The energetic Drover's Cup begins at 1:30pm on King Street, featuring light-hearted competitions like egg-throwing, hay bale racing, and the fan-favourite finale, Mashed, where contestants race to devour a plate of mashed potatoes to claim the title of champion.
The programme this year includes fantastic 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 to name a few, along with street performers such as The Penrith Twining Association, Nula Hula, Logy on Fire, Darryl Carrington, Felicity Footloose, Mr Ian Marchant and Symmetry Circus plus much more.
Individuals can sign up to carry a torch here https://goto.penrith.town/take-part-in-the-Winter-Droving-procession
The market will be open from 11am followed by the Fancy Dress Dogs competition at midday which you can enter here: https://goto.penrith.town/Winter-Droving-Fancy-Dress-Dogs-2025
There are also a couple of spots left for teams to enter the Drovers Cup: https://goto.penrith.town/Drovers-Cup-Entry-Form-2025
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, and partnerships with theidol.com
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