Thousands attend Kendal Christmas Switch-on with slackline performer

The event started at 5pm and coincided with those in town for the annual Kendal Mountain Festival with its basecamp based at Abbott Hall Park.

The family parade headed out from the base and headed towards Market Place where families met Santa and enjoyed the merry-go-round and Gluwhein Stall. 

Choir Growing Singers and Dance School The Atikk gave special performances as well as an array of stilt walkers along with drumming collective Drum Nation parading through the streets.

The big Christmas lights switch-on was then at 6pm just after a daring display by slackliner Lukas, who has won three Guinness World Record for his daring stunts.

Afterwards, on Finkle Street, there was a chance to meet Lukas along with a chance to experience a little of what he does in the Slacklining Taster Zone. 

Cllr Helen Ladhams, chair of Christmas Lights and Festivals Committee said: "This year’s Kendal Christmas lights switch-on had a real buzz.

"Thousands of residents turned out to enjoy Lukas Imler perform his breathtaking slackline over Market Place, performances from Kendal’s Growing Singers and Dance Atikk, entertainment from Ragtag Arts and much more.

"The partnership with Kendal Mountain Festival goes from strength to strength, with many people enjoying the opening at Base Camp, before parading up to Market Place to join the festivities.

"It was a fabulous night where businesses and residents came together to celebrate the start of the festive season. Thank you to everyone who took part."

Kentdale First Aid Events were in attendance to make sure everyone was safe in the huge numbers.

Paramedic Angie Clare said: "It was a really brilliant event. We were there upon the request of Kendal Town Council and it really was shoulder-to-shoulder.

"The influx of people for Kendal Mountain Festival will have been great for local businesses.

"The event was very safe with no issues and very well organised and we were very proud to be a part of it."