SCHOOLCHILDREN are to decide the theme for this year's Kendal Torchlight Carnival.

Organisers of the outdoor spectacular are aware of the huge part local schools play in the Friday night procession and their floats are always one of the evening's highlights.

"We want to encourage this energy and creativity to empower local school children to create a carnival they want to see," said a spokesperson for the organising team. "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 Mayor's stand in the centre of Kendal.

Over the coming days the organising team will be writing to schools to invite them to participate, along with details of how to be part of the event.

Any ideas can be emailed to admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk, or shared on the Facebook page – search Kendal Torchlight. Previous themes have included “Celebrating Kendal’s Spirit" and "Think Big.”

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.

The torchlight team is looking for any local people who can give some time to help out at local fundraising events and also during the event itself. Anyone able to give some time should email admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk.