By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 14:51, Wednesday, 10 October 2012

A team of artists has joined forces to help develop a town’s unique new Christmas event.

It had previously been announced that Penrith planned to abandon its traditional lights display and switch-on, and focus attention on lighting key areas.

Eden Arts, in conjunction with Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, The Pride in Penrith Lottery and the Vitality of Penrith Group, has also come up with a new Winter Droving event.

It aims to celebrate Penrith’s rich agricultural heritage and will mark the beginning of Christmas festivities in the town.

Although still in the planning stages, a large-scale fire procession is expected to wind its way through the streets, accompanied by blazing torches, light effects and atmospheric music.

The team of artists for the Winter Droving met this week to discuss the creative aspects of the procession.

Adrian Lochhead, from Eden Arts, said: “The idea is to get as many people involved in the Winter Droving as possible. Anyone can join the procession – either as individuals or in groups.

“All we are asking is that you join in with the fun by wearing a mask – preferably an animal-themed mask to represent the herds and flocks that for centuries were ‘driven’ through the town.”

He continued: “We not only want people in the procession to wear masks, but we want to encourage spectators to get involved, join in and make their own masks, for children to dress up, and there to be a real party atmosphere in the town.

“We will supply the fire torches for people to carry and we are busy organising the entertainment for the town celebration.”

Many groups have already signed up to take part in the procession, including Prism Arts, Ruby Tuesdays Belly Dancers, Appleby Brownies, Razzamataz, Penrith Lions and Young Cumbria.

A number of mask-making workshops will also take place on every Saturday in November in the run-up to the event, from 1pm to 4pm at the Soup Shop in the Devonshire Arcade. It costs £2 per person and materials will be provided.

Blank and decorated masks are also available from various shops throughout the town, or mask templates can be downloaded for free from the Eden Arts website.

Eden Arts is still looking for more community groups to join lantern, mask and music making workshops, volunteers to help on the day and sponsors for various elements of the event.

For more information visit www.edenarts.co.uk/winter-droving

First published at 14:47, Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk