Crowds packed into Penrith town centre on Saturday evening as darkness fell and the much-loved Penrith Sparkle lit up the streets once again. Market Square and the surrounding streets were buzzing with food stalls, fairground rides and roving entertainment, all building the festive atmosphere as families gathered for one of the town’s biggest nights of the year.
As anticipation grew, the crowds parted to make way for this year’s spectacular parade. A lively procession of bands, tractors, wagons and cars, all decked out in Christmas lights, rolled through the town — and for 2025, the Droving parade proudly joined the Sparkle parade for the very first time, a moment welcomed with loud cheers and camera flashes from every direction.
After completing a full double circuit through the town, the parade gave way to the main event as the crowd turned their attention to the stage for the big Christmas lights switch-on. This year’s honour fell to Roland Bateman, joined by the Mayor of Penrith and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
But before the countdown could begin, Sparkle 2025 delivered one more spontaneous surprise as a uniquely Penrith moment unfolded. A giant Christmas bauble was sent crowd-surfing from the stage to the Musgrave Monument and back again — a festive twist on the famous Uppies and Downies tradition. Laughter, cheering and a good bit of festive spirit filled the Market Place as the bauble bounced above the crowd.
Just as the bauble returned to the front, the countdown began. With the atmosphere at full fizz, Roland pushed the plunger and Penrith burst into Christmas light, accompanied by cheers, applause, confetti and a flurry of artificial snow drifting across the square.
This year’s Penrith Sparkle was again delivered by the Penrith BID, with Dan Harding choreographing the event and making sure every moment sparkled — including giving Santa a helping hand down from his sleigh so he could join the switch-on. If Santa had his Christmas List, he’s almost certainly earned his place on the nice list this year along with the cast of many that formed the parade of vehicles, burning torches, bands and Droving animals.
Penrith Sparkle 2025 once again proved why it’s one of the town’s standout festive celebrations — full of light, laughter, community spirit even the weather did its bit for the event with not a drop of rain or wisp of wind.
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