ORGANISERS of the Kendal Torchlight Carnival have announced famous books and authors will be the theme for the 48th outdoor spectacular which will take place on Friday September 14.

“We are really pleased with the reception the theme has received," said Torchlight chairman Martin Kinley. "Since the start of the year, we have had so many inquiries about it, with people keen to start planning and making already.

"The enthusiasm is fantastic. We wanted to choose a theme which gave entrants a wide range of choice which would allow them to pick something that really inspires them, from children’s books, to the classics, modern and futuristic or historical. There will be something for everyone.”

Last year, more than 35,000 people lined the streets of the town to watch the procession, which included 1,500 participants, and required 130 volunteers to marshal and steward the event.

The carnival is organised and run by a group of volunteers who begin the planning process in December. A minimum of two additional people are still needed in key roles, but additional volunteers would be more than welcome.

There are a wide range of areas to get involved in, including organising volunteers, logistics, entrants management, fundraising marketing and other admin duties.

Team Leader Jackie Holmes said: “It is a great event to be a part of and there are many different areas to get involved it. It’s also a way to learn something new and gain experience by working with the other members of the committee. The satisfaction of seeing it all coming together on the night and all the enjoyment it brings really makes it all worthwhile."

To find out more about becoming involved, email admin@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk.