A famous Lake District icon has made its debut on the big screen.
Herdy, the much-loved sheep character inspired by Cumbria’s Herdwick sheep, starred in an animated intermission short at the historic Royalty Cinema in Bowness during screenings of the film The Sheep Detectives featuring Emma Thompson and Hugh Jackman.
Herdy Goes to the Cinema has been created by California based creator James Imrie from Werks Marketing.
Spencer and Diane Hannah, co-founders of Herdy, said: "We couldn’t pass up the opportunity for Herdy to make his own silver screen debut during the Sheep Detective film, everyone is talking about.
"And what better place than the lovely Royalty Cinema in the heart of Bowness."
The short film marks the beginning of a wider series of animated content set to launch in the lead-up to the 2027 Year of the Sheep and Herdy’s 20th anniversary.
Herdy also enjoyed a 'baa-pet' photocall ahead of the screenings, accompanied by his friend Sheppy.
The Sheep Detectives is running at the Royalty Cinema until May 21 with the Herdy short shown to audiences each day.
Bryn Tyson, who helped relaunch the Royalty Cinema last year, said: "It’s fantastic to work with another iconic Lake District brand like Herdy, not least because we share the same love of entertaining people and making them smile.
"We’re looking forward to sharing Herdy’s film debut alongside our special showings of The Sheep Detectives."
Herdy, born in the Lake District in 2007, produces gifts, accessories and homeware with a simple mission: to make people smile.
The brand says that the year ahead promises to be a busy one with several launches planned.
In July, Herdy will introduce its first greeting card collection, designed by The Art File.
September will see the launch of Herdy’s debut children’s book series with publisher Quarto.
The initial releases will include two felt-flap board books, Herdy’s Fun Day and Goodnight, Herdy, as well as a sticker activity book.
Later in the year, the brand’s HerdySleep division will launch its first children’s mattresses.
These will be made using Herdwick wool sourced from its co-operative of small family-owned Herdwick fell farmers.
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