THE north Cumbrian Winter Droving festival will take place this month, with a number of local businesses giving a funding boost to the annual celebration of fire.

The Penrith festival, which invites attendees to 'turn the clocks back 400 years', is taking place on Saturday, October 26.

It marks the start of winter and celebrates rural life in Cumbria with local food, entertainment, masquerade and a magical lantern procession.

Amid a host of entertainment, singer songwriter Melanie Baker will perform, as will community band Street Beats, Drum Nation, BAAB, the 60-strong Commoners Choir and Ulverston-based Blast Furness. Knife-throwing circus double act Duo Devour will also bring their daredevil performance to the festival.

The festival has not only established itself as a well-known and popular event, attracting thousands of masked visitors to the town from all over the UK, but also brings around £2million into Penrith's economy each year.

Organised by Eden Arts, a not-for-profit organisation, the event depends on the support of local organisations and businesses.

However, increasing costs in recent years had put the future of Winter Droving at risk, making Eden Arts more reliant than ever on local sponsorship.

For the first time this year, Eden Arts has also reached out to the public for donations to help cover costs and ensure the event's continuation for future years.

Adrian Lochhead, director of Eden Arts, said: “The unwavering support from [title sponsors] Leo Group and other local sponsors is a testament to the strength of our community.

"Their contributions, both monetary and in-kind, are crucial for the continuity of the Winter Droving Festival.

"We are incredibly thankful for their generosity and dedication."

Thanks to contributions from Leo Group and local sponsors including Penrith Town Council, Penrith Chamber of Commerce and others, the outlook for Winter Droving is bright.

The funds raised will assist in covering essential expenses, ranging from logistical needs to ensuring safety for all participants.

Danny Sawrij, CEO of Leo Group which operates the Omega Proteins factory in the town, said: "For over four decades, Leo Group has been involved in the communities in which we operate to create jobs and support the local economy.

"Our interaction with these communities is a cornerstone of our CSR policy, reflected in our long-term backing of events like the Winter Droving and the Penrith Christmas Sparkle.

“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the Winter Droving once again and to help make this year's festival exceptional and secure its future."