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Kendal Torchbearers are the leading lights of Kendal Torchlight

Last month the Kendal Torchlight Carnival organising group launched the very first ‘Torchbearers’ campaign. Local businesses, groups and individuals were invited to truly appreciate the value of Torchlight and support everything it is about.

In recent weeks most town centre businesses have received an invite to become a Torchbearer which includes our printed brochure, and previous entrants and volunteers are being contacted to once again be a special part of the 2017 Kendal Torchlight Carnival.

The initial response has been fantastic and Torchlight group leader Craig Russell has been overwhelmed by the support the town has shown: “Local businesses and volunteers have always been the mainstay of Torchlight and we’re delighted to already have some fantastic supporters for 2017. Without their help, and the many voluntary hours that go into creating Kendal Torchlight, the event simply would not happen.

“We’re looking to raise £20,000 from around 150 community-minded businesses and organisations in the area. Last year’s event generated £1.5 million pounds to the local economy. That’s a return of £54 from every £1 invested. Torchlight is a great investment and a proven boost to the local economy, as well as being great fun!”

Already on board as key Torchbearers are The Westmoreland Shopping Centre, Kendal Caravans and Wainwright’s Yard. They join our charity partners, entrants and volunteers as the local force behind keeping the Torchlight flame alive.

Platinum Sponsor – Kendal Caravans

“Kendal Caravans is a long established local company, supporting local people and local businesses.

“We’ve relished the opportunity to be involved with the Torchlight Carnival for many years. Fortunately, this years’ later date has enabled the company and its staff to become fully immersed and join in the fun!

“Kendal’s Torchlight Carnival generates a huge number of visitors to the area every year, which is vitally important to local businesses. Whilst the Torchlight may not directly affect our company, the positives for the people of Kendal and the economy of South Lakeland is significant.

“This is a great opportunity for us to thank the local businesses and people who have supported Kendal Caravans since 1988, whilst ensuring the future success of this fantastic event.”

Mark Molyneaux – Kendal Caravans

Gold Sponsor – Wainwright Yard

“We’re proud to sponsor the Kendal Torchlight Carnival, it’s such a vibrant community event and really brings the town to life for the weekend. Everyone has a favourite moment from past carnivals and playing a part in the making of new memories is a real privilege for us. We’re looking forward to another ‘Fairy Tale’ event!”

Patrick Naylor, Wainwright’s Yard & Eric Wright Group

First Charity Partner – Muscular Dystrophy UK

“We’re incredibly grateful to be chosen as one of Kendal Torchlight’s charity partners for 2017. This fantastic opportunity to spread awareness and raise vital funds will help us to transform the lives of children and adults who are affected by muscle-wasting conditions. Thank you to the decision making panel and to all those involved in preparing for this year’s exciting carnival. We are thrilled to be taking part.”

Stuart Murray – Muscluar Dystrophy UK

First Entrant – Grayrigg Young Farmers

“Grayrigg YFC pulling together for another torchlight carnival, previously we have pulled a tractor around Kendal, made a rocket and a moving cow!

“We enter every year and this year we are trying to win the best young farmers float for the 5th year!”

Emily Armer – Grayrigg Young Farmers

They and many others will be contributing to all aspects of Kendal Torchlight, with particular focus on allowing the organising team to build up the art, entertainment and cultural content of the Friday Procession, Saturday Street Party and all other events that will be organised in the build-up and beyond.

If you or your group, business or organisation would like more information on how to become a Torchbearer or get involved in another way please contact Kendal Torchlight Team Leader Craig Russell: craig.russell@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk or 07725817745.

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The 2017 Theme Of Kendal Torchlight Carnival is Fairy Tales

A big thank you to the local schools and pupils who replied to our request to send in ideas for the theme. We can now officially announce the theme of Kendal Torchlight 2017 is ‘Fairy Tales’. The Torchlight Carnival takes place on Friday 15th September and Kendal Street Party on Saturday 16th September.

Now in its 47th year, Kendal Torchlight is one of the highlights of the local calendar and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. During 2016 the first ever economic impact survey for Torchlight was undertaken which showed that the 2016 event contributed an estimated £1,535,678 to the local economy.

As always, the theme of The Kendal Torchlight Carnival 2017 is eagerly anticipated, and this year the Torchlight organising team reached out to the young people of Kendal for their ideas. We asked local schools to suggest the theme as they always play a huge part in the Friday procession through the town. We hope this will encourage even more creativity and empower local children to create the carnival they want to see.

‘Fairy Tales’ will allow imaginations to run wild as both children and adults alike have favourite stories and films which they share together. This theme was chosen by pupils who study at separate schools in Kendal, Vicarage Park Primary School and Castle Park School. Both pupils will win tickets to watch this year’s Torchlight from the mayor’s stand in the town centre.

For the first time this year the Torchlight Organising Group are hosting a series of workshops in the build up to Torchlight to help get everyone’s creative juices flowing. The workshops will be held in The Westmorland Shopping Centre and provide an opportunity for young people to make their own artwork for Torchlight, with a team of voluntary artists. News on the workshop dates will be announced on the Torchlight Facebook Page.

The Torchlight Organising Group is a team of local people who volunteer all year round to ensure Torchlight can take place, planning for September’s carnival started back in January. This year, the team are looking for enthusiastic people with a whole range of skills to help in many areas, including logistics, entrants management, sponsorship and other admin duties.

We’re also looking for any local people who can give some time to help out at local fundraising events and also during Torchlight itself. If you can give some time, even just a few hours you would be making a really important contribution. Please email admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk.

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Local School Children Invited to Decide The 2017 Theme Of Kendal Torchlight Carnival

Now in its 47th year, Kendal Torchlight is one of the highlights of the local calendar and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. During 2016 the first ever economic impact survey for Torchlight was undertaken which showed that the 2016 event contributed an estimated £1,535,678 to the local economy.

As always, the theme of The Kendal Torchlight Carnival 2017 is eagerly anticipated, and this year the Torchlight organising team are reaching out to the young people of Kendal to decide our theme.

Local schools always play a huge part in the Friday procession through the town and their floats are always one of evening’s highlights. We want to encourage this energy and creativity to empower local school children to create a carnival they want to see.

We hope this will give teachers a wonderful opportunity to promote discussion amongst pupils on possible themes and encourage a greater feeling of inclusion in the event.

The Torchlight team will choose the best idea, or combination of ideas to create one all-inclusive theme. The pupil or pupils who have created the chosen theme will be invited as special guests, to watch this year’s procession from the Mayors stand in the centre of Kendal.

Over the coming days we will be writing to schools individually to invite them to participate, along with details of how to be part of it.

Any ideas can be emailed to admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk, or shared on our Facebook Page. – search Kendal Torchlight. Previous themes have included “Celebrating Kendal’s Spirit“ in 2016 and Think Big” in 2015.

The Torchlight organising team is a group of local people who volunteer all year round to ensure Torchlight can take place. The team is committed to giving Kendal the Torchlight Carnival it deserves, and knowing exactly how much it contributes to the local economy has only increased this desire. The year, the team are looking for willing and able people to help in many areas, including logistics, entrants management, sponsorship and other admin duties. Many specialised tasks are required to be completed so if you have experience in these areas we need you!

We’re also looking for any local people who can give some time to help out at local fundraising events and also during Torchlight itself. If you can give some time, even just a few hours you would be making a really important contribution. Please email admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk.