This October sees the return of Cumbrian celebration, The Winter Droving.
Taking place tomorrow, it sees the streets of Penrith come to life as the festival and town mark the end of the harvest season.
This magical and mystical celebration of light, fire and rural life is brought to town by Eden Arts and indicates the beginning of the darker winter nights and acts as a moment of celebration over fear of the onset of a new season.
The Winter Droving is a unique opportunity to celebrate all that winter brings with it and truly epitomises life in Cumbria.
The day will see the local community and visitors come together to enjoy great food, great company, the warmth of fire and an acknowledgement of the important role animals play in Cumbrian culture.
Taking place in the centre of Penrith, the event will see the streets transformed into a Medieval style market, filled with the scent of traditional mulled wine.
Stalls will be found right across the town selling local produce including world foods, vegan and vegetarian cuisine, quirky and vintage clothes, speciality gifts, unique pieces from local artists and charity stalls.
A whole array of entertainers will descend on Penrith, with audience participation events including a fancy-dress competition for dogs!
Other entertainment will include masked musicians, street performers, giant animal lanterns and locals in fancy dress.
The Winter Droving will provide a memorable experience for festivalgoers, with musicians and performers from across the UK descending on the town and providing entertainment that will take place on various stages across Penrith.
The jam-packed day of events kicks off from 11am with the opening of the stalls and fun fair, all creating anticipation ahead of the evening spectacular which will culminate with a popular carnival parade of fire and lanterns travelling through the town.
The Winter Droving is free to attend with all welcome.
Anyone wanting to sign up to be one of the torch carriers should visit the website for further information.
One of the best ways to attend Winter Droving is to arrive is by bus or train. The centre of Penrith, where the main events take place, is just a five-minute walk from Penrith Railway Station.
The Winter Droving is just one of the events being highlighted by the Let’s Go Culture project, which has received £175,908 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
https://www.edenarts.co.uk/projects/winter-droving-2024
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