Penrith's 2018 Winter Droving dubbed 'the best yet'

Thousands flocked to the market town to take part in the annual arts festival, which included a street market.

Activities kicked off with a fancy dress for dogs competition and included live performances across five stages, street theatre and roaming features from acts including The Hairies, Penrith Players and Baybeat.

Kay Jacques, of Castletown, Penrith was among the spectators who lapped up the atmosphere.

She said: “I was with friends. We had a great day. I love the fact that it brings different generations together. You can have a small child dancing alongside a great grandma.

“It is a very friendly, very chilled event - not corporate at all. It was about showcasing what Penrith has to offer, its independent traders and how much goes on.

“Some of the live music was fantastic. I really liked Supa and Da Kryptonites. The sculptures in the procession were simply amazing too.”

Celebrations reached fever pitch when the traditional masked firelight procession weaved its way through the crowds.

Rob Pottinger, a member of amateur dramatics group Penrith Players, was among those to take part.

He said: “I’ve seen the Droving before but it is the first time of taking part. It was great to see the crowds from the other side, as it were.”

Heather Walker, deputy director of Eden Arts, said: “It was brilliant. We’re totally amazed by the turnout. We estimated that 20,000 came last year and we think this year we had more than that. We can’t thank everyone enough for their support, taking part and coming along.”

For the second year, Saturday’s event was staged on the night the clocks go back and the weekend nearest the old festival of Samhain - marking the start of the “darker half” of the year.

Organisers say that around 3,500 people also took part in Friday’s night’s torchlight parade through the streets of Pooley Bridge, for Ullswater Droving.