Penrith Town Council Backs 'The Gathering' Event with £4,000 Funding

Free music and family activities planned for town centre following Winter Droving cancellation.

Generic image of a town square filled with people enjoying music and activities.
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Generic image of a town square filled with people enjoying music and activities.

Penrith Town Council has pledged £4,000 to support 'The Gathering', a free community event scheduled for Saturday 24 October 2026 in the town centre.

The event, organised by Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) with local businesses and community groups, aims to provide entertainment following the cancellation of this year's Winter Droving. It is designed to encourage footfall and activity across the town centre.
The programme includes music and spoken word performances at the Bandstand, alongside circus skills, acrobats, stilt walkers, and live bands at the Mansion House car park. Roaming performers and outdoor family activities will link various venues, including events at St Andrew’s Church and Penrith Playhouse. Potfest in the Pens has also extended its free bus service for town centre visitors.
The £4,000 contribution comes from the Penrith Town Council’s Community Grant Fund, intended to help keep the event free and accessible for all.
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"The Gathering is a fantastic example of local organisations coming together quickly for the benefit of the people of Penrith. The event programme will give people of all ages plenty to enjoy and help keep the town centre busy and welcoming throughout the day."

Cllr Val Bowen · Penrith Town Council Chair and Penrith Mayor
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"We are pleased to support Penrith BID and its community partners in making the event free to attend. It is a strong partnership response that will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses."

Cllr Val Bowen · Penrith Town Council Chair and Penrith Mayor
Based on information from the official source: Penrith Town Council (15/10/2026)