KENDAL’S Christmas Switch On event is set to be even bigger and better this year.

Members of the town council’s Christmas Lights and Festivals Committee met to begin planning the itinerary for the big switch-on in the town, due to take place on Thursday, November 16, coinciding with the start of the Kendal Mountain Festival (KMF).

The Council Services Officer presented a report to the committee suggesting a number of improvements and changes to last year's schedule.

According to the minutes of the meeting, the suggested changes include:

"To provide a larger centralised stage with improved sound quality that extends to most of Market Place and therefore ensure all audience members can hear stage activity.

'Fresh and different' - Christmas Lights switch-on event for Kendal revealed

"To change the parade route to Highgate to benefit from a more direct route with good lighting - it will also accommodate the parade size of around 500 people or more.

"To include another high spectacle act via a Tightrope Walker provided by KMF.

"Involving additional stakeholders such as Kendal BID who may wish to run and manage a street food market on Finkle Street.

"To create a fun positive atmosphere in the parade by retaining the stilt walkers and band and incorporating free cowbells (at an additional cost of £400)."

Discussions also took place on the feasibility of incorporating a 'mini slackline for children'.

Also mentioned was the possibility of further events at Abbot Hall.

The minutes said: "It was further raised that 'Lancaster on Ice' was keen to bring an ice rink and Christmas market to Abbot Hall.

"It was, however, pointed out that this may not be possible in 2023, partly due to Local Government Reorganisation and problems in relation to appropriate power supplies.

"Attention was also drawn to the need to ensure that the opening of an ice rink, if this went ahead, should not clash with the opening of the KMF event.

"It was stressed that discussions in relation to proposals for an ice rink and Christmas market should be held with KMF, pointing out that this would be complementary to the main event and not in competition."