This year will see the dramatic return of the Ullswater Droving - which precedes the Winter Droving by a week - as festivities for the Droving season commence by ‘Welcoming of the Wolf’ in Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.

This year, Eden Arts will be partnering with outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank to present an interactive artwork experience in Pooley Bridge, involving the use of Geolights.

The technology was used in the Green Space Dark Skies project last year and captivated audiences across the UK with its enchanting light patterns in the countryside.

John Wassell, co-founder and creative producer, Walk the Plank said: "It’s great to be partnering with Eden Arts to produce a special Ullswater Droving event celebrating the countryside using our award-winning Geolights - participatory event technology.

"The landscape around Ullswater is the perfect setting for this next development of the technology.

"We look forward to meeting and working with the participants on this unique light-based artwork."

Adrian Lochhead, director of Eden Arts said: "This partnership with Walk The Plank is a fantastic opportunity for people to participate in something very special.

"It's a real coup to bring this evolution of Green Space Dark Skies to Ullswater and to create this unique event which will mark the opening of the Droving festivities.

"We have been following the development of this project and it feels like the perfect fit for the Winter Droving - light, magic and mystery paired with cutting edge technology. And to top it all off Spark! will be returning!"

Volunteers, dubbed Lumenators, need to apply by October 11 to create an outdoor artwork under Walk the Plank's guidance, with individuals, groups, and families with older children welcome.

'Ullswater' comes from the old Norse word 'Ulfr' meaning 'wolf', making Glenridding and Pooley Bridge the perfect location.

Lumenators will make captivating patterns using geolights (Image: Walk the Plank)

Spark! drummers, known for their exceptional performances, will further instil glow, sound, and mystique as they march through the streets, take a boat-ride on Ullswater Steamers, and finally arrive at Pooley Bridge Pier.

Thet will then be accompanied by a grand procession through Pooley Bridge, spirited by Lumenators, each equipped with their Geolight gadget.

The Winter Droving

After the 'Welcoming of the Wolf' at the Ullswater Droving event, Penrith will host the Winter Droving on October 28, marking a grand celebration of light, fire, and rural life.

The Winter Droving spotlights a range of masked musicians, street performers, colossal animal lanterns, and local residents garbed in creative costumes.

The day kick-starts at 12pm with a dog fancy dress competition, gradually unfolding street performances, live musicians, drumming bands, carnival shows, and the much-awaited parade.

A variety of market stalls vend gifts, food, mulled wine and also feature charity stalls with traditional village games.

Aspiring participants can sign up to be a Lumenator or a torch carrier at www.edenarts.co.uk/projects/