Following the cancellation of Winter Droving with just over a month's notice before the event was due to take place as Penrith's signature event, local businesses, residents and community groups are joining forces to bring a new celebration to the town on October 24.
Penrith is refusing to let the town's event scene fall quiet after the cancellation of Winter Droving, with a new community-led celebration set to bring music, entertainment, food and family activities to locations across the town.
Called The Gathering, the event will take place on October 24 and is being spearheaded by Penrith Business Improvement District (BID), with local businesses, volunteers and community organisations coming together to make it happen.
Winter Droving had become one of Penrith's signature events, attracting thousands of visitors and bringing a significant boost to the local economy. Its cancellation was a blow to the town's businesses and community, leaving a gap in the calendar and raising questions about what would come next.
Rather than accept the loss of such a major occasion, local people have decided to take matters into their own hands.
The Gathering is a new event in its own right, rather than an attempt to recreate Winter Droving. Organisers want to build something that reflects Penrith and its people, bringing fresh ideas and a renewed sense of community spirit to the town.
Music, street entertainment and activities across Penrith
The Gathering promises a varied programme, with entertainment and activities planned for people of all ages.
Live music will bring atmosphere to the town, while street performances will offer visitors something to discover as they move between locations. Food and drink will also feature, celebrating local traders and the hospitality businesses that help keep Penrith's town centre thriving.
Arts and creative activities are planned to showcase talent from within the community, while children will have family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Further entertainment and surprises are expected to be announced as plans develop, with organisers promising more details about the programme and how people can get involved.
With activities spread across multiple locations, the event is intended to encourage visitors to explore the town, spend time in the centre and support local businesses along the way.
Turning disappointment into determination
A spokesperson for the organising group said the cancellation of Winter Droving had caused considerable disappointment, not only because of the event itself but also because of the benefits it brought to Penrith.
The spokesperson said: "When we heard Winter Droving was cancelled, there was a real sense of disappointment and frustration across the town. It's an event that means so much to Penrith, not just for the enjoyment it brings but for the enormous benefits to our local businesses and economy.
"But instead of sitting back and accepting that another event had been lost, we decided to do something about it.
"The Gathering is a brilliant example of what can happen when local businesses, organisations and residents pull together. We've taken what could have been a very negative situation and turned it into an exciting opportunity.
"This is not about recreating Winter Droving. It's about starting a new chapter, bringing fresh ideas, new energy and a genuine community spirit to the town.
"The Gathering is made by the community, for the community – and that's exactly what makes it so special."
Beyond the entertainment, The Gathering has a wider aim: to support Penrith's town centre, attract visitors and showcase the town as a destination for shopping, food, culture and entertainment.
Independent shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and other local businesses stand to benefit from increased footfall, while the event could also create opportunities for local performers, artists, traders, charities and community groups to reach new audiences.
Organisers hope The Gathering will become a regular highlight in Penrith's calendar, growing year on year and providing a platform for local talent and organisations.
The initiative also highlights the role of Penrith BID and the town's independent business community in working together to support the local economy and create new reasons for people to visit.
Penrith is being asked to get behind the event
Residents, businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to support The Gathering and help give the new event a strong start.
People can get involved by attending, volunteering, performing, spreading the word or helping to support the event financially. Local businesses and organisations are also being invited to consider sponsorship and other contributions to help establish a sustainable future for the celebration.
The organisers want the event to belong to the whole town, rather than one business or organisation, with the community playing a central role in shaping its future.
Further announcements about the entertainment programme, activities and opportunities to get involved are expected shortly.
Following the cancellation of Winter Droving, The Gathering represents a determined effort to keep Penrith's community spirit alive and ensure the town continues to have events that bring people together.
On October 24, the hope is that residents and visitors will turn out, support local businesses and help lay the foundations for a new chapter in Penrith's events calendar.
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