The organisers of the Penrith Winter Droving have been forced to take the difficult decision to cancel the Winter Droving due to take place tomorrow on 25th October.

They have said the decision is entirely due to safety considerations with forecasted wind gusts for the 25th that exceed the load bearing on temporary structures.  As the Droving is made up of an event with many temporary structures - band stages, market stalls, and the animal lanterns that make up the procession.

Eden Arts Director Adrian Lochhead said “the risk to the public, performers and staff is beyond both the statutory levels and our own responsible approach to event management.  The thought of someone being hurt at what is such joyful event is not something we would ever contemplate.”

“Together with the professional health and safety advisers that we contract we have been monitoring forecasts all week.  Unfortunately the forecasts in the last two days have proved to be accurate. “

“We realise that this is a late decision. For much of the week we have seen a forecast that we would be in a window of calm weather. However in the last day or so those have shifted to forecasted gusts of up to 35mph predicted for the 25th and we are placed in the position that to ignore the forecast and the evidence of their accuracy would be reckless, especially if the worst were to happen and someone were to be hurt on the day. “

The organisers had looked at the possibility of cancelling the activities during the day and retaining the procession, however the same risk applies. Lanterns and hundreds of people with naked flame torches present too great a risk should gusts be as predicted.

Eden Arts have been worked hard to prepare the event with hundreds of performers, crew, makers, traders, sponsors, the council teams, funders all working together for months to bring one of the event to fruition once again after it faced an uncertain future due to funding uncertainty last year.  

Adrian added “We know that our supportive public will, like us all, be so disappointed.  

Making this decision has been extremely difficult but after weighing all considerations we must prioritise safety above all else.”