Arts Edens’ Winter Droving has been cancelled as Storm Benjamin is expected to bring strong winds.

The Penrith cultural event was due to take place on Saturday, October 25, with musicians, performers, stalls and a lantern procession planned.

In a statement on social media Adrian Lochhead the director of Eden Arts released a video along with a written statement saying: “With the greatest regret we have been forced to take the difficult decision to cancel the Winter Droving due to take place tomorrow on 25th October.

“The decision is entirely due to safety considerations with forecasted wind gusts for the 25th that exceed the load bearing on temporary structures.

“As the Droving is made up of an event with many temporary structures – band stages, market stalls, and the animal lanterns that make up the procession – the risk to the public, performers and staff is beyond both the statutory levels and our own responsible approach to event management.

“The thought of someone being hurt at what is such joyful event is not something we would ever contemplate.

“Together with the professional health and safety advisers that we contract we have been monitoring forecasts all week. Unfortunately the forecasts in the last two days have proved to be accurate.

“We realise that this is a late decision. For much of the week we have seen a forecast that we would be in a window of calm weather.

“However in the last day or so those have shifted to forecasted gusts of up to 35mph predicted for the 25th and we are placed in the position that to ignore the forecast and the evidence of their accuracy would be reckless, especially if the worst were to happen and someone were to be hurt on the day.

“We have looked at the possibility of cancelling the activities during the day and retaining the procession, however the same risk applies.

“Lanterns and hundreds of people with naked flame torches present too great a risk should gusts be as predicted.

“We have worked so hard to prepare the event, with literally hundreds of performers, crew, makers, traders, sponsors, the council teams, funders all working together for months to bring one of the outstanding events in the region to fruition once again. We know that our supportive public will, like us all, be so disappointed.

“Making this decision has been extremely difficult but after weighing all considerations we must prioritise safety above all else.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

The decision has left many businesses and charities in a difficult position.

For Penrith Mountain Rescue this has left them with a fundraising gap as this is a major event for them.

A spokesperson for Penrith Mountain Rescue said: “You may have heard that this weekend’s Penrith Winter Droving has been cancelled because of forecast high winds. This is sad news, but we understand and support the organisers decision.

“For the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, this is one of our major fundraising events of the year and we are disappointed to lose this opportunity to engage with our supporters, raise vital funds for the team and compete in the Drover’s Cup.”

The team have set up a donation on their Facebook page with the spokesperson adding: “We have set up an online fundraiser to offset some of this loss.

“Please donate if you can, and/or please share this post widely to raise awareness.”

You can visit the Penrith Mountain Rescue website here.

Due to the late cancellation many businesses have been left with stock that would have been sold on the day or with accommodation and rentals that need to be or have been paid for.

Vendors have taken to selling Winter Droving stock online or at pop up events.