Kendal Torchlight meets Scrap Heap Challenge

The annual festival, run by local volunteers, welcomed large crowds to Abbot Hall, showcasing Kendal’s famous community spirit and undying passion for the arts. 

People in Kendal were amazed by the mascots (Image: Annette Ritson)

Following a 'scrapheap challenge' theme, four visually impressive processions began short journeys from Hallgarth, Kirkbarrow, Sandylands and Heron Hill to the gates of the festival’s centre, Abbot Hall Park, for a collective parade and the weekend’s opening ceremony on Friday evening.

Street performers from Kendal College (Image: Annette Ritson)

Residents along the routes were amazed at the size and craftwork of the giant mascots leading their processions; Scrap Dragon, Litterbug, Patchwork Pegasus and Iron Giant, all of which were made in Torchlight workshops, open to the public and led by local artists, through the summer months.

These mascots were all made out of recycled materials and discarded junk typifying the reuse, recycle and recreate mantra of this year's festival.

The iron giant making its way into town (Image: Annette Ritson)

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Back at the park, the gathering of mascots and processions transitioned to the festival’s opening ceremony – a high spirits spectacle that included dancers, samba bands and a display of lanterns, again crafted in the summer workshops. This was then followed by a roaring performance from local band The Seals.

Crowds gathered to watch bands, such as the Baghdaddies here (Image: Annette Ritson)

On Saturday, the celebrations continued and migrated to the town centre for a short while as the festival’s ‘Street Party’ got underway. An accumulation of live music, creative workshops, street theatre and craft stalls taking over Stricklandgate brought Torchlight cheer to locals.

Back at Abbot Hall residents were treated to an evening of live music, with Newcastle-based Baghdaddies closing the night on the Park Stage. Their eclectic set proved popular with locals as the green bounced with dancers.

Patchwork Pegasus making its way into town (Image: Annette Ritson)

The weekend was brought to a close in the main park area with a spell-binding display of fire sculptures.

Chair of the Torchlight Organising Group Craig Russell said: “The addition of a music stage in Abbot Hall added an extra level of entertainment and it was great to see people enjoying live music in the park.

Scrap-dragon delighted viewers (Image: Annette Ritson)

"We are grateful for all of the people who have supported the event this year by getting involved whether helping with organising and set up, making costumes or supplying their services to make the event happen”.