It is nearly time to “turn back the clock 400 years” and enjoy a feast of entertainment like no other as Penrith’s Winter Droving rolls back into town on Saturday, 28th October.
Each year, the town’s streets become something like a medieval market with traditional mulled wine and hot chestnuts alongside the finest local produce – including a wide range of world foods, vegan and vegetarian cuisine, giftware, local artists’ works, quirky clothing and charity stalls.
This year, the event has been extended to include a family and children’s area in King Street, with face painting and a craft stall for making animal-themed accessories to compliment the nature of the day.
Masked musicians, street performers, giant animal lanterns and locals dressed in elaborate costumes will join the crowds at the Winter Droving for a unique celebration steeped in tradition.
It is taking place one week after the Ullswater Droving, on Saturday, 21st October, which will get the droving ball rolling with a Welcoming of the Wolf event in Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
Eden Arts is working with internationally renowned outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank to create a magical artwork in Pooley Bridge using Geolights, as featured on BBC Countryfile.
Penrith’s Winter Droving, meanwhile, is a unique mix of magic, mayhem and music. An annual celebration of light, fire and rural life, complete with animal effigies and masks.
It marks the clocks going back and the town’s tradition of droving animals to the final market of the year, masked revellers dress up in their finest, featuring everything from tweed caps and shepherd’s crooks to ancient druids’ garb seemingly left behind when the Vikings left town.
New to this year’s event, those deemed “best in show” will receive a special 2023 rosette – the best outfits and masks will then be invited to join the procession at the infamous parade.
A spokeswoman for Eden Arts said: “The Winter Droving epitomises all things Cumbrian; animals, fire, good food and community spirit.
“In 2022, after a two-year hiatus, the event saw over 25,000 people pass through, with a massive 8,000 people attending the evening parade.
“You only have to do one thing to join in — wear a mask!”
The day begins at noon with a fancy dress competition for dogs, while the rest of the town blossoms, showcasing live musicians, street performances, drumming bands and carnival street shows before the eagerly awaited parade.
The day will close with a set from the fantastic Baghdaddies, who will return to Penrith with their eclectic fusion of rhythms and melodies plucked from around the world.
The Drovers Cup is also returning. The Lancashire Girls and Boys Club are the reigning champions, but will they be able to keep hold of their title as rural champions?
The competition begins at 1-30pm in King Street and involves a series of challenges which test speed, agility, precision, strength, determination and a huge dose of self-deprecation.
There are opportunities for a lucky number of people to carry a torch in the procession, details of which can be found at https://www.edenarts.co.uk/projects/winter-droving.
