HARDY Kendalians defied the rain on Sunday to usher in the festive season with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

There were fears that flooding might force organisers to cancel the event, but with much less rain than predicted overnight they decided to go ahead after consulting with the police.

Road closures meant that two of the performers were unable to attend, and attendance was significantly down on last year, but around 350 people still flocked to the town centre to soak up the festive atmosphere.

The fun started at Abbot Hall with the reindeer arriving, face painting, bongo balloons, merry-go-round and a refreshment stall.

Music was provided by Kendal Concert Band and Kendal Parish Church choir singing Christmas carols.

Made in Cumbria market stalls selling festive treats and local produce lined Market Place, while the Mayor’s stall served mulled wine and mince pies with all the proceeds going to the Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Buzz Club.

On the Lakeland Radio main stage young and old were entertained by a full afternoon of musical performances, starting with Burneside Brass Band.

The growing crowd were also treated to sets from Stagecoach Theatre School doing a ‘Frozen’ sing-a-long, Tread Productions giving audiences a flavour of their upcoming Christmas show, Morecambe singer Ashleigh Wood and Yorkshire duo Distracted.

The stage was headlined by Jai McDowall - Scottish singer–songwriter and winner of Britain's Got Talent in June 2011.

As darkness began to fall, Santa Claus, his elf and reindeer wound their way from Abbot Hall to Stricklandgate, led by a band from Kirkbie Kendal School.

The lights were officially switched on by Kendal Mayor Cllr Chris Hogg before the evening’s festivities were rounded off in style by the children of Goodly Dale Primary School.

The Windermere school was chosen to perform after winning Lakeland Radio’s ‘Choir of the Year’ competition, as voted for by the public.

Town clerk Liz Richardson said: “The weather was so poor until about 3pm, but it picked up later on and we really appreciate how many people came out to support the event.”