Penrith Town Council has expressed its disappointment after the news that the Winter Droving will move from Penrith to Carlisle for 2026.
The Winter Droving has become an important part of Penrith’s cultural calendar, bringing residents and visitors together and supporting local businesses through increased activity in the town centre. Its distinctive programme of street entertainment, markets and the torchlight procession has helped establish the event as a much-loved celebration of Penrith’s character and rural heritage.
The Council has supported the Winter Droving over many years, initially through its Large Grants Scheme and, since 2023, by awarding Eden Arts £5,000 annually through the Signature Events Grant Scheme. This funding supports established large-scale events that attract visitors, contribute to the local economy and deliver wider social and community benefits.
A Council spokesperson said:
“We are disappointed that Eden Arts has decided to move the Winter Droving from Penrith to Carlisle for 2026. We recognise the contribution the event has made to the town’s cultural calendar and thank Eden Arts for delivering it in Penrith for over a decade, with the support of residents, businesses, volunteers and funding partners.
“We know that many residents and businesses will be disappointed by this news. Looking ahead, Penrith BID’s Penrith Sparkle event takes place on Saturday 21 November, which will bring live music, food, festive activities and an illuminated parade to the town centre. The Council is exploring opportunities for the 2027 events programme and will continue to support events that bring people together, attract visitors and celebrate Penrith.”
In response to widespread criticism of today announcement by Eden Arts the organisation issued a statement saying “There has understandably been a lot of reaction to the news that Winter Droving will not take place in Penrith this year, and we wanted to set out the position clearly so that people can understand”.
“Winter Droving was created by Eden Arts in Penrith and we have produced it there over fourteen editions. We are enormously proud of what it has become and of the part played by local people, businesses, volunteers, artists and partners in making it such a distinctive event. The strength of feeling now is, in many ways, a reflection of how much it has come to mean to the town.”
“The decision about 2026 was a financial one.”
“Last year’s Winter Droving had to be cancelled because of unsafe weather conditions the day before it was due to take place. By that point substantial costs had already been incurred and committed, and Eden Arts - a charity with limited funds - ultimately carried a loss of around £20,000.”
“That inevitably affected the level of financial risk our Board could responsibly take this year. An event of this scale needs a secure package of funding and sponsorship. We are grateful to all of the businesses and the councils etc who have supported the Droving over the years. However, in 2026, while there was some continuing support for Winter Droving in Penrith, the overall package needed to deliver it responsibly was not secure and was less than it had been previously. Put simply we were faced with a deficit and small charity can not be expected to risk its existence by underwriting the event”.
“At the same time, a new partnership opportunity emerged in Carlisle which made it possible to keep the artistic programme together and deliver a major event this autumn rather than cancel or substantially reduce it.”
“This is not a case of an event being “stolen” from Penrith. No organisation in Carlisle has taken Winter Droving away. Eden Arts created and produces the event, and we have made the decision about where we can responsibly deliver it this year.”
“Nor have we announced Carlisle as Winter Droving’s permanent new home. Carlisle Carnivale featuring The Winter Droving is the event we are creating for 24 October 2026. We are excited about what it can become and about the opportunity to involve Carlisle’s communities and businesses, while welcoming people from Penrith and across Cumbria to be part of it.”
“We also completely understand why people in Penrith feel a sense of ownership of Winter Droving. That is something to be proud of, not something we want to dismiss. Fourteen editions have created memories, traditions and a real connection with the town.”
“We hope this is not the end of that relationship. If a sustainable funding partnership can be rebuilt, we would very much like Winter Droving to have a future in Penrith too.”
“For now, our job is to make the best possible event we can on 24 October.”
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