The Torchlight Team

In February 2013, the traditional Torchlight Committee was disbanded and replaced with the Torchlight Management Team. The main difference being that all Torchlight Team members have publicly committed to taking responsibility for one or more critical functions. We are currently looking for capable people to help in a number of roles including logistics, entrants management and general admin duties. Some skilled tasks are included so if you think you can help please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Torchlight 2018 Team

Craig Russell – Torchlight Director & Team Leader

Kendal Torchlight Carnival was in inspiration for me growing up in Kendal. All on one night in the streets of the grey old town, I saw the pride of the town’s workers, the wonder of its industry, the community spirit of its organisations, the creativity of its artists and makers. I have cherished those memories for a long time and want to enable the current and future generations of the town to be inspired to have fun and contribute to a celebration of what the town is about.

Contact Craig

Martin Kinley – Torchlight Director

Martin joined the Torchlight Team in spring 2016 as a new Director. He was born in Kendal and has lived here all his life.

He has seen a vast majority of the Torchlight processions and very much a big fan of keeping the tradition of an annual procession going in Kendal to promote Kendal and its surrounding districts for the benefit of local residents, tourists and businesses. Martin, along with 3 other Directors are responsible for the corporate and financial governance, monitoring and evaluating the Company’s activities and for creating and implementing the future strategic direction.

Contact Martin

Paula Pearson – Schools & Young Farmers Co-ordinator

I’ve enjoyed Torchlight for many years, watching from the crowd or taking part both as a teacher with my school, and as a PTA member with my daughter’s school.

Participating in Torchlight can seem daunting if you’re new to it, but I know first hand the positive impact it has on those taking part and how working together to build an entry can strengthen PTA and staff teams. All this as well as bringing some great publicity for your school or YFC group! I hope I can encourage more of you to join in and am happy to chat through the process with anyone who would like to enquire further before committing.

Colin Benson – Torchlight Treasurer

This is my 5th year on the Torchlight team. I am old enough to have watched the first one and attended some of the other events that were allied with it. It has been my privilege to have been a spectator on many occasions when not nursing sound systems and generators on the Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society’s floats. I have great memories of those times and know how much planning and teamwork goes into creating a single float. I have really enjoyed working on this side of the barriers.

Contact Colin

Vacant – Torchlight Volunteer Coordinator

We are currently looking for a volunteers co-ordinator to help rally the network of volunteers that are crucial to operations on the night.  If you are interested in volunteering to help make torchlight happen, please contact us!

Steve Howard – Process Management

Steve is now in his 2nd year with Torchlight, and is working to both help raise sponsorship and support from within the local business community, as well as liaising with them to help maximise their links and exposure with this major and much-loved event.

Matt Ward – Torchlight Communication Logistics

This is my 3rd year on the Torchlight committee. I’ve loved finding out more about how this event is put together throughout the year.I got involved with Torchlight so that I could gain some experience in organising a festival as this is something I would like to do myself in the future.

This year I am part of the organising team, and supplying equipment for the street party.

Christine Garside – Charities Co-ordinator

Born in Kendal and first marshalled at the Torchlight 7 years ago, since then I have been the Charities Co-ordinator and this year helping with Entrants.

Torchlight is fabulous for bringing communities together, creating opportunities and showcasing activities for all age groups to get involved in. I am looking forward to seeing the array of colourful entries this year.

Vacant – Administrator

We are currently looking for an organised administrator / secretary to help keep us organised and our meetings minuted!  If you are interested in volunteering to help make torchlight happen, please contact us!

Annette Ritson – Marketing

I have great childhood memories of watching the torchlight over many years. I became involved in a supporting role a couple of years ago. This year I joined the committee to help with this years carnival designs and website. It is great to be involved with such an energetic and enthusiastic group of people who work so hard throughout the year to make torchlight happen.

I hope this year the weather is kind and everyone involved has a great time!

Torchlight Management Team

The Torchlight Management Team are the unpaid volunteers who work throughout the year to promote Kendal and to make Kendal Torchlight Carnival happen. We're always seeking capable and committed people to join our Team. Contact Craig Russell if you want to develop your skills and talents, be able to say that you promote Kendal and take a pride in knowing that our Torchlight Carnival happens because you make it happen.