FESTIVAL favourites Bhangracise got the weekend's Lakes Alive party started in a brilliant blaze of Bhangra moves.

After the opening Jacob's Join by the River Kent, the feast continued with the movers and shakers' fabulous fusion of music and dance originating from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. As dusk fell, they were joined by the colourful Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band who led party goers along the river up Castle Hill. There, the music and dancing continued in the presence of two massive inflatable artworks, a pair of giant humanoids that had decamped at Kendal Castle, their glowing profiles lighting up Kendal’s familiar skyline.

"This has to be one of my favourite parts of the weekend," said Phillippa Haynes, Lakes Alive's festival director. "We have done everything we can, set the scene, booked the band, send out the invitations and then we just hoped that people will come - and they did – in their hundreds. Bhangracise and Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band were brilliant, their colourful costumes and energy hit the spot perfectly."

Over at Abbot Hall Park there was a lively mix of performance and art. One of the most popular shows was Bicycle Boy, a fun audience powered musical adventure about Sam in his granddad’s workshop. Neil Urquhart, who plays the role of Sam had the audience captivated throughout.

Energy levels rose to even greater heights courtesy of On Edge: a group of parkour performers who ricocheted around a towering scaffold. And Cumbria Youth Dance performed Topos a beautiful gymnastic piece influenced by the notable climbing route of Napes Needle on Scafell. Both had their audiences holding their breath and gasping with each daring move.

Audiences were encouraged to investigate Kendal’s lesser known places in the company of a sonic sphere or a metal detector. A self-possessed sphere guided memorised walkers on a mystery tour through the town to a secret location. Tasked to ‘keep their spheres happy’ by artist Ray Lee, participants left from several locations and unbeknown to them were all heading to the hidden garden of Kendal Unitarian Chapel. Those who opted for a Heavy Metal Detector as their guide were treated to a cross-between a walking tour and an immersive rock performance.

As the light faded on Sunday evening the festival continued. Installations that had been enjoyed in the sunshine started to glow in the dark. New locations for this year’s spectacular gathering were Gooseholme and New Road Common, both proving to be perfect spots for a trio of installation, including Shimmer Tree, an impressive six metre high sound and light sculpture.

The festival closed with Leap an animated patchwork of scenes projected across Abbot Hall Art Gallery, transforming the scene into a stunning soundscape of inventive storytelling and uplifting original music: accordingly, many a festival goers favourite. Among them, Cllr Chris Hogg apparently tweeted: "My favourite performance of the year".