What's on at Penrith's Winter Droving - Cumberland and Westmorland Herald

What’s on at Penrith’s Winter Droving

Penrith Winter Droving. Picture: Graham Wynne

Penrith is gearing up for three days of masks and madness as the Winter Droving returns tomorrow for its 10th anniversary.

This year, the annual celebration will be different due to the impact of COVID-19 but organisers have promised rocking musicians, fire breathing performance art and larger-than-life illuminated lanterns.

A spokesman for the event said: “With the potential gloom of COVID still hanging in the air, we have curated a festival that will abide by social distancing rules, if measures are to be put back in place.

“Whilst still being the same event that everyone knows and loves, it will be an opportunity for the town to celebrate after a turbulent past 18 months.”

There won’t be the traditional parade but bands and street acts will perform from noon until 8.15pm tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

A fire-breathing dragon and lanterns will be on display in St Andrew’s Churchyard.

For the first time, the event will be held over three days in hopes of reduce crowd numbers and preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Local favourites Ponyland will bring their zany brand of costumed afro-beat, jazz and punk to the Melodrome Stage on all three days.

Drummer Joe Hiscoke, originally from Penrith, said: “We are all really excited to play the event, particularly because it’s my hometown.

“I’ve seen the weather warnings but no-way the rain is going to put us off – it’s going to be a big one.”

Other local highlights include Melanie Baker originally from Lowther, Penrith’s Blue Jam and Carlisle indie rockers Mylittlebrother.

From further afield the Eden town will host the only all-female Mariachi band in the UK, Mariachi Las Adelitas; bhangra dancers Eternal Taal; and Serbian gypsy duo Faith I Branko.

Organisers are advising people to buy wristbands online to monitor crowds but these are not compulsory.