KENDAL roared into life as 500 Harley Davidson enthusiasts rode through the town to celebrate the 'biggest ever' annual biker festival.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to see the bikers 'ride out' at the Wake the Lakes 2015 event, which has seen motorbikers flock to the Brewery Arts Centre since Thursday, July 2.

It is set to provide a major boost the the local economy until it concludes on Sunday, June 5.

Now in its seventh year in the town, the festival has become so large that it had to move away from its old home at Kendal Rugby Club and into the town centre location.

At 11am today (Saturday, June 4), 500 bikers rode in convoy through Kendal as part of a two hour journey around South Lakeland.

Mayor Chris Hogg, who was on the back of one of the bikes, said: "This brings the town to life. People have come from France, Germany, Italy and Holland for this. 

"It's great for the economy of the town as before when it was held at the rugby club they didn't really explore the town, but now they are bringing a lot into Kendal. 

"I would say to people that they should come and talk to them [festival goers]. They're marvellous people, a really friendly bunch."

As well as the riding, there are bands playing as well as food and merchandise stores at the Brewery Arts Centre on Highgate - with a Bruce Springsteen tribute act headlining this evening's bill.

Simon Mulroy, treasurer of the Red Rose Chapter HOG (Harley Owners Group), which organised the event, said: "We want to engage with a lot of people here in the town centre.

"500 people are going to spend money and we want to include the whole town in that."

Tickets for this evening's entertainment cost £10 and are available on the door at the Brewery Arts Centre.