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.