How the Kendal Torchlight Carnival began

It started with a dream…

…and dreams do come true!

Once upon a time - in a town for all seasons - part of the most beautiful corner of the country - lived a group of public spirited people who all shared a common cause.

That cause was to expand and extend an image and perception, to proudly share with others an area and town they loved and cherished - THEY HAD A DREAM!

So, after much talking and burning of 'the midnight oil' - in the year 1970, was born the KENDAL everybody's GATHERING in South Lakeland - but why Gathering?

In years long gone by, before modern roads and transport and in the autumn time when nature's trees started to shed their leaves to prepare for the change of seasons, from autumn to winter. So likewise, people from the surrounding rural country areas made their way into the lovely historic market town of Kendal, situated at the southern end of the English Lake District.

This was perhaps their last chance to stock up with needs and provisions before the long hard winter started to tighten it's relentless grip. The journeys were often lengthy in time and toilsome, some by horse, pony or mule, others by 'shanks pony'. The whole family would often travel and stay in the "Auld Grey Town", so called for it's local limestone buildings, for a few days, meeting old friends and making new ones. Taking the chance for what would be their only break of the year.

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