ORGANISERS of Kendal Torchlight Carnival have been thinking big to create the tiniest torchlight event to date.

Each year, thousands of people line the streets in their thousands to make way for the massive procession of vehicles, bands, floats, dancers and walking groups that make up this annual spectacle.

Due to the current government safety guidelines, this will not be possible.

This week entries open for the “Tiny Torchlight Procession”. Individuals, families, community groups and local companies are invited to enter miniature creations, which will be filmed by a professional film company against the backdrop of the procession route, to re-create a full procession in miniature.

Entries can be individual puppets which will be grouped together or for the more adventurous a standalone entry. Blank canvas Lorry kits are available to purchase in addition to a pick and mix craft stall which can be found at the Birdcage throughout September.

Organising group team leader Craig Russell said: “We knew the procession and street party needed a crowd to make it happen. This is too much of a risk in creating more cases of covid-19. We then moved to plan an online event ‘Tiny Torchlight’ and to bring a Torchlight Convoy to a street near you, this would embody the spirit of Torchlight.

"The Tiny Torchlight will allow us to create a virtual procession that everyone can watch online, from the safety of their own homes and also be accessible to those who may not have been able to get out to the procession in the past. We are encouraging anyone who would like to get involved to create something, incorporating this year’s theme ‘Think Local, Act Global’, and also to create pieces that remind them of past years processions. It couldn’t be easier to get involved."