KENDAL's Torchlight Carnival enjoyed a successful expansion as crowds filled the town's streets at the weekend to celebrate the new two-day event.

The popular Friday night parade was given a boost with the addition of a street party on the Saturday, to keep the carnival fever alive for an extra day.

Torchlight kicked off in fine form with a vast array of floats defying the unfortunate weather to honour this year's theme: 'Celebrating Kendal's Spirit.'

The procession, which included vintage vehicles as well as floats, made its way through the town, setting off from Kendal Leisure Centre.

Entries from all aspects of the community were present, with a strong showing from the area's schools, as well as businesses, bands and social groups.

Arriving early to ensure their entry was as good as possible was Storth CE Primary School, whose efforts embodied the carnival theme with their 'Kendal Keep Calm and Carry On' float.

Decorated with survival gear, kayaks and tents, the school was celebrating the town's strength in bouncing back from the recent flood damage.

Lucy Scott, who helped organise the float, said: "This is our first time doing a float. We're pleased with how it has gone. It was made by the mums and dads and kids of the PTA."

"We are here for the fun. It's a lasting memory coming to Torchlight when you live round here," added Jane Buchanan, another parent involved. "We wanted to give the children the experience of Torchlight that they won't forget."

Also adding to the cheerful celebratory atmosphere were the floats manned by the Milnthorpe Steel Band, who won the award for best live music.

Anthony Ryan, who drums with the steel band, said: "We try to put a float on every year at Torchlight, we love it. We always play as we go and it seems to be very well received.

"The songs we play are cheerful and we just play for the fun of it. For us with Torchlight having fun is the top and bottom of it."

Another float full of performers was out to win as many prizes as possible however. Dance Attik entered a 'Purple Rain' themed float to accompany their variety of dances that took place throughout the event.

The purple-themed eye-catching arrangement featured streamers and tinsel, and dancers performed on and around it as it moved.

"We want to win everything," said principal Lucy Everett. "It's great to be involved in an event like this. The kids love it."

The best in parade prize went to ABLAZE youth group, while St John's Hospice, Lancaster, won best charity float.

The street party on Saturday saw crowds return to the town centre to experience a host of carnival arts performances and workshops, including mask making and a samba workshop.

In addition there was a live stage featuring music acts and performers, and the torchlight trophy presentation.

Torchlight Team Leader Vicki Wright said: "From our perspective this year's Torchlight has gone fantastically well.

"The weather was unfortunate but nothing can be done about that. Many of the entries were spectacular. We had about 70 vintage vehicles and another 55 other entries.

"The street party was a fantastic success as well. Thousands of people turned out and everybody involved was busy all day and really enjoyed it."

Full Results:

Best Live Music: Milnthorpe Steel Band; Best Foot Group: BlueJam Arts; Best School Group: Vicarage Park C of E Primary School; Best Youth Group: St Thomas’s C of E Primary School; Best Business/Commercial Entry: Kendal GPs; Best Costumery: Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, Kendal; Best Carnival Band/Entertainers: Isle in Harmony; Best Charity Group: St John’s Hospice, Lancaster; Best Young Farmers: Grayrigg Young Farmers; Best Visual Impact: St Mark's C of E Primary School, Natland; Best in Parade runner up: Heron Hill Primary School, Kendal; Best in Parade: ABLAZE.