Everything you need to know about the Winter Droving in Penrith

Celebrating the town’s rural heritage with a mix of music, street performances, and a lively torchlit procession, the event has become a symbol of community spirit and creativity.

But what exactly is the Winter Droving?

Where did it come from, and what makes it so special?

In this guide, we, with the help of organisers Eden Arts, hope to answer all your burning questions about the festival, from its origins in traditional livestock driving to the modern-day spectacles that make it a highlight of the Cumbrian calendar.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, here's everything you need to know.

When does it start/end, and when should I get there?

The Winter Droving is a one-day cultural festival taking place on Saturday, October 26 in Penrith.

The event takes place all around the town centre, and there's live music, street performances, and a food and arts market from 11am, carrying on all afternoon and into the evening.

The legendary torchlit procession then kicks off around 6.30pm and arrives in town just after 7pm.

The last band usually finishes about 8,30pm.

Where can I park? Are there public transport links?

Visitors to Penrith for the Winter Droving are encouraged to make use of the town’s public transport links wherever possible.

Details of local bus services can be found here, though be aware that road closures on the day may result in some temporary route changes.

Penrith Railway Station, a five-minute walk from the town centre, provides easy access for those arriving by rail.

For further rail information, click here.

For cyclists, Penrith town centre offers ample bike parking facilities, but take care to steer clear of the bustling street performers.

For those travelling by car, you can get to Penrith via Junction 40 off the M6, or via the A66 and A6.

Parking is available throughout the town’s official car parks, excluding the Mansion House Car Park.

A full list of car parks can be found here.

Additionally, Ullswater Community College on Wetheriggs Lane (CA11 8NG) will offer free parking for the day’s events.

Disabled parking is available at Princes Street car park, and there are accessible parking spaces in all town centre car parks which are operating as normal on the day.

Four additional blue badge bays have been allocated on Burrowgate and Crown Square.

For accessibility concerns, review the event's access statement here or contact info@edenarts.co.uk for more details.

How much is it?

The Winter Droving is a free event.

Who is responsible for organising it?

The Winter Droving is organised by Eden Arts, an award-winning, local artist-led charity based in Penrith.

They also organise projects such as Cine North, the North’s biggest rural community cinema scheme, and Picnic Cinema, which puts on touring film events including yearly ‘Withnail & I’ screenings on location at Sleddale Hall.

Will it be policed? 

Yes

How many people will be there?

Approximately 25,000 people attend the Winter Droving each year. The event also generates £2million for the local economy, Eden Arts said.

What does the Winter Droving symbolise/celebrate? What does it mean?

The Winter Droving is a traditional festival which marked the arrival of the Cumbrian winter for centuries.

For hundreds of years, farmers would bring their flocks down off the high fells and through Penrith to the pastures of the Eden Valley, watched on by torchlit townsfolk; the children wearing crude animal masks, often made with real hides.

The last historical event took place in 1869, despite the Bishop of Carlisle deeming it ‘a delightful display of Cumberland custom’.

The modern Winter Droving celebrates and expands upon this tradition.

Local arts organisation Eden Arts revived the event in 2011 and has been organising it ever since, though its roots go way back.

What should I wear? Do I need masks?

Wrap up warm and bring a mask to join in on the fun. 

Where can I stay and get food?

There are many pubs, hotels and B&Bs in Penrith, including but not limited to: North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Station Hotel, Foundry 34, Askham Hall, George and Dragon, and a Travelodge.

The Winter Droving food market will also be open from 11am on the day.

What's the itinerary for the event? What happens at the Winter Droving?

This is Penrith’s signature town centre event, and this year it’s back bigger and better than ever.

There’ll be vibrant food and arts markets, world-class street performers - including a great lineup of performers from the emerald isle, thanks to support from Culture Ireland - amazing live music, and the legendary torchlit procession.

The full programme will be released the weekend before the event.

Eden Arts is currently asking for people to register as torch bearers or lantern carriers in the Winter Droving procession and help them light up the streets of Penrith.

This is a perfect opportunity for individuals, groups of mates, businesses or organisations who want to show off their support for this local event.

What about public toilets?

Public toilets are situated in Bluebell Lane and Sandgate Bus Station including facilities for disabled visitors and baby changing and there are also portable toilets at Great Dockray and King Street including one accessible toilet and further portable toilets at Bluebell Lane car park.

Are there any sensory or accessibility concerns - anything else I need to know?

Assistance dogs are welcome at all locations.

There is no strobe lighting at Winter Droving however there will be flashing lights on some stages.

There is loud amplified music on some stages, and the lost child point is at the Eden Arts Information stall next to clock tower.

At any location, if you have any queries or require any assistance, speak to any festival volunteer or steward who will assist you to the best of their ability or head to the info point at the clock tower at Market Square.

Stewards will be wearing pink or yellow high-vis vests.

For further access information, contact info@edenarts.co.uk or call 01768 899444.