The theme for the 2024 Kendal Torchlight Carnival is Fire Air Water and Earth.
The procession will follow a similar format to last year.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The motorised vehicle-free procession not only rekindled the carnival’s heart but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable future. The changes made in 2023, as a transition year, demonstrated the success of a walking parade on the Saturday evening. Feedback was overwhelming positive and both the day and evening events displayed high attendance. This model ensures that the Torchlight Carnival remains a beacon of community pride and a draw for visitors whilst also developing a model which has a more sustainable future both practically and environmentally.
This year’s Kendal Torchlight Carnival, scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, will once again feature a Programme of Summer Events the lively Street Festival followed by the Evening Procession in the heart of our town centre.
Summer Programme
Starting in May and spanning the summer, Torchlight will collaborate with school and community groups, providing free creative workshops and creating pathways for participating in the event.
Community artists will work with Primary and secondary schools, care homes, community groups, care homes and public workshops for all to attend.
Partnering with Kendal College
Throughout September, Kendal Torchlight will partner closely with Kendal College. Together, we will offer curriculum-aligned experiences, including workshops and masterclasses led by event organisers, professional artists, performers and costume makers.
These activities will help create amazing performance acts for both the Street Festival and the procession.
The Street Festival
The inaugural Street Festival graced Kendal in 2015, and since then, it has become an integral part of the Torchlight Carnival.
Our aim is clear: to keep the festivities rooted within the town centre.
Music and performance Stages
There will be multiple performance stages and spaceswhich will host an array of live bands, singers, dancers, and artists. These will be a mixture of professional and local artists.
Creative Workshops
Interactive workshops will offer craft activities, music exploration, and cultural insights.
Free Entertainment for All
The Street Festival is about participation, learning and most of all fun. Attendees can watch captivating performances, join workshops, and immerse themselves in the festivities. Music, culture, and creativity will be the focus of the days programme.
The Evening Procession: A Grand Showcase
Following Last Year’s Success Building on the triumph of the 2023 procession, we will retrace the same route which you can view here.
From Abbot Hall, Up Stricklandgate, Looping around Lowther Street, Blackhall Road, and Sandes Avenue, performing along the full length of the high street back to Abbot Hall
The procession will feature:
- Drumming bands, Marching bands, Dancers, Light shows, Street performers, Community group entries, Lanterns, Larger-than-life puppets and other surprises.
The central goal of the Carnival is to keep the festivities rooted in Kendal’s town centre. By inviting visitors to explore and enjoy our historic Auld Grey town, we aim to create an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere. Any funding received from the town council will be channelled toward enhancing the Street Festival and the walking procession, ensuring that visitors are drawn to the heart of Kendal both day and night.
You can find out more about this years event here.
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