This is… The Kendal Torchlight Carnival

Message from the Mayor of Kendal - 2010

It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to this, the 41st Kendal Torchlight Carnival.

Times have changed since the first one in 1970 when it was called the Torchlight Procession and was the highlight of the then Kendal Gathering (which alas is no more) for many years.

The theme this year "Kendal through the ages" has me full of anticipation for the varied interpretations we will see. After all, our Town has a rich and varied past, with Roman Settlements, 2 Castles, 2 Town Charters, along with many and varied industries including wool, shoes, snuff, carpets, engineering and confectionary in the form of mint cake etc.

Quite a few of the above industries have led to Kendal being known throughout the world in the past. Sadly with manufacturing in decline it is now left to the Kendal Carnival to shine the Town's light nationally and hopefully one day internationally, as one of the leading Carnivals in the Country.

So please come along and sample the delights on offer, whether young or old, there will be something to entertain you and your friends.

John Veevers, Mayor of Kendal

Please keep small children under control during the procession. Do not allow them to run forward to pick up sweets or other items that have fallen into the roadway.

For safety reasons, watching from the bridges is not allowed. All spectators must remain on the pavements as the procession passes. Do not attempt to cross the road between entries when the procession is moving past. Keep well back from lorries turning at tight corners.

Please obey the instructions of the Police and marshals along the route. They are there to ensure your safety.

Please avoid crowding on corners and narrow sections of roadway. Large floats need the maximum space to negotiate the route safely.

Please do not throw anything at the people in the procession.

Our charity partners will be all round the route collecting, using buckets with the Torchlight logo and wearing a clearly defined bib or vest and ID badge. No-one else is authorised and approved to collect during the day. Any unauthorised or suspicious collectors should be reported to the nearest police officer or marshal.

Please 'KEEP KENDAL TIDY' by using the litter bins provided around town or by taking your litter home for disposal or recycling.

Kendal Torchlight Procession Limited and organisers of associated events accept no liability for injury, damage or loss arising from or because of any event connected with the Kendal Torchlight Carnival.