Kendal BID reveals its programme of events for 2025

The programme includes a host of live music performances, family activities, and Christmas celebrations.

Peter Brendling, Kendal BID manager, said: "All the events are aimed at improving Kendal, increasing footfall, and boosting the trade of local businesses.

"The town has recently had the exciting news that the Government is investing £13.47 million of funding for projects including improving Market Place and Kent Street, the indoor market hall, and the riverside path between Lowther Street and Abbot Hall, and that ties in very well with the BID’s ongoing wish to support and promote the town through various initiatives such as our events programme."

Rock It Man performing during the Kendal Live Music Festival (Image: Supplied) The first event will be the Kendal Jazz, Blues, and Folk Festival on Saturday, June 21, which will feature outdoor performances by groups from the area.

These will mainly be in Market Place and at the ‘Birdcage’ at the top of Finkle Street.

The Kendal Family Festival will take place on Saturday, July 27, at various locations around town and is set to include activities such as climbing towers, Segway rides, archery, crazy golf, and giant Snakes and Ladders.

The Kendal Live Music Festival will be held over the weekend of October 10 and 11 and will feature bands performing at numerous indoor and outdoor venues around town.

The Kendal Christmas Celebration will be on Sunday, December 7, and will include a Christmas market in Market Place, festive music, and Santa in his grotto.

Peter Brendling, manager of Kendal BID (Image: Supplied) Mr Brendling said: "Our Kendal Live Music Festival brings around 3,500 people to town each year to enjoy some of the best locally-based musicians.

"Venues which host bands tend to see sales increases of at least 100 per cent compared to a normal day.

"Our Kendal Family Festival brings around 1,500 family members to town to enjoy the free activities and our Christmas Celebration last year gave Kendal one of its busiest Sundays ever."

Painting taking place at H Hogarth Jewellers on Branthwaite Brow following a shop front grant given by Kendal BID (Image: Supplied) In 2025/26, Kendal BID will continue with the town trail which sees visitors hunt for the colourful cartoon figures in shop windows.

The BID will also be lobbying for and exploring ways to improve parking in Kendal and working on a guide to help new businesses.

Kendal BID is a not-for-profit company which aims to develop projects and services that will benefit Kendal town centre.

It supports more than 650 businesses in central Kendal and over the past three years, it has invested around £450,000 in the town.

Mr Brendling said: "We offer grants of £500 to improve the appearances of businesses’ frontages – so far 49 businesses have received improvement grants.

"We also offer environmental grants of up to £1,000 and grants for staff training.

"We work closely with other organisations, such as Kendal Futures, Kendal Bar Watch, the town council, and Westmorland and Furness Council on projects to improve the town, including the yards improvement project."

Kendal BID supports several other festivals in town, including Kendal Torchlight Carnival, Kendal Pride, and several others including The Unity Festival and Stout Wars.

Mr Brendling added: "Kendal BID is here for all of the businesses within the BID area.

"We would welcome constructive suggestions on other ways we can help our businesses."

People are advised to email manager@kendalbid.co.uk with suggestions.