The title sponsor of the 2024 Winter Droving, the Leo Group, owner and operator of Omega Proteins near Penrith, has said they are looking forward to the Winter Droving in Penrith as this year's title sponsor.
The Leo Group have supported the Winter Droving event in Penrith for a number of years with thousands of pounds of funding provided each year to enable Eden Arts to hold the annual event,
The 13th Winter Droving will be taking place this month on Saturday, October 26, and marks the start of winter and celebrates rural life in Cumbria with local food, entertainment, masquerade and a magical lantern procession.
The Penrith Winter Droving Festival has not only established itself as a well-known and popular event, attracting visitors to the town from all over the UK, but also brings around £2 million into Penrith's economy each year Eden arts have said.
Organised by Eden Arts, a not-for-profit organisation, the event depends on the support of local organisations and businesses each year.
Increasing costs in recent years and changes to some grant funding previously provided by other organisations has put the future of Winter Droving at risk, making Eden Arts more reliant than ever on local sponsorship. For the first time this year, Eden Arts has also reached out to the public for donations to help cover costs and ensure the event was able to take place this years in what could be its last in Penrith unless increased funding can be secured by Eden Arts for 2025.
As title sponsor of the Winter Droving and other events in Penrith including the Penrith Sparkle event and Christmas lights display the company said “Supporting charitable organisations is a vital aspect of Leo Group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, aimed at promoting the cultural and economic development of local communities.”
"For over four decades, Leo Group has been involved in the communities in which we operate to create jobs and support the local economy. Our interaction with these communities is a cornerstone of our CSR policy, reflected in our long-term backing of events like the Winter Droving and the Penrith Christmas Sparkle. We are proud to be the title sponsor of the Winter Droving once again and to help make this year's festival exceptional and secure its future." – Danny Sawrij, CEO of Leo Group.
Adrian Lochhead, Director of Eden Arts, said: “The unwavering support from Leo Group and other local sponsors is a testament to the strength of our community. Their contributions, both monetary and in-kind, are crucial for the continuity of the Winter Droving Festival. We are incredibly thankful for their generosity and dedication.
Penrith Town Council has also once again provided a £5000 grant to the Winter Droving from its signature events grant budget allocated from the town council's precept collected from Penrith households as a part of the council tax.
Penrith Town Council Deputy Chair & Deputy Mayor Cllr Danny Smith said: “The Winter Droving provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, embrace the local culture and enjoy a day of entertainment.
"I am proud that the Council has again, through its Signature Grants Scheme, been able to support this important event for the town - ensuring it has the necessary funding in place to go ahead. “I hope everyone who attends the event enjoys the night!"