A group of volunteers is aiming to bring back the procession at Kendal Torchlight Gathering.
After managing to run three events when many were cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, organisers are keen to bring back this key element of the much-loved tradition.
Torchlight is famed for its impressive procession which brings a carnival atmosphere, floats and performers into the town. The event will be vehicle free but organisers stressed that this does not mean the same level of spectacle cannot be offered.
A spokesperson said: "The procession is possible, and locals will again be able to see it flood through the town centre - they just need the support from the town to make it happen."
Volunteers dedicate time and effort, year-round, to organise the event with it being an established fixture on the local calendar for over 50 years. As well as the core team, it takes more than a hundred volunteers on the day, and up to 1,500 to create the procession.
Chair Craig Pearson said: "Not many people realise what a small team there is behind Torchlight, a group of volunteers who are trying to keep this amazing tradition alive for our town and community. People often ask why the event hasn’t been the same as it used to be and there are a number of reasons, lack of volunteers, lack of funding and also increased regulations.
"As a team we want to bring back the heart of Torchlight and the procession and take it forward into a new era while celebrating the things we all loved about it in the past. To do this we need people to step forward and help and ensure that the event isn’t lost forever.
"This year we have decided upon the theme Old and New to celebrate the past and the future of Kendal as well as the event itself. We have some exciting plans to make the event a real spectacle this year."
Torchlight will be held on Saturday September 23 with a street party in the day followed by a procession that evening.
The organisers are calling for anyone who can help as event planning support and volunteers on the day.
For those looking to get involved, contact info@kendaltorchlight.co.uk or alternatively, by phone on 015395 67749.
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