All you need to know on Kendal Torchlight Gathering 2025

This Saturday’s (September 27) edition marks the popular event’s 55th anniversary as the all-day event of community fun continues to dazzle residents and visitors alike.

The day will kick-off at 10am with the Street Festival in Kendal town centre which will include musical performances, dancing, theatre work, and other activities that are free for all the family – these runs until 4pm.

A past Torchlight where the refugee community had created lanterns of birds to symbolise freedom(Image: Kendal Torchlight Gathering)

The famous Torchlight procession, which has the theme of ‘Seasons’ this year – with each season of the year being represented within the procession – is set to begin at 7pm at Abbot Hall.

The procession will go along Highgate, Lowther Street, Blackhall Road, Sandes Avenue and Stricklandgate before returning to Abbot Hall.

As a result, these roads will be closed from 6pm until the procession finishes, which is estimated to be 9.30pm.

Torchlight Chair Craig Pearson highlighted the financial difficulties events like this Saturday’s now have today.

At a Brewery Arts workshop, participants created Autumn themed costumes and lanterns(Image: Kendal Torchlight Gathering)

He said: “It has been a real struggle to raise funds this year as many festivals have struggled but we have been overwhelmed by support from the community and our artists.

“This year’s Torchlight event is a true reflection of community spirit and people coming together to create something amazing, which is what Torchlight is all about.”

The production of the lanterns and costumes that will be on show in this year’s procession are a result of lot of hard graft by community groups and schools like Summerhill Care Home, Manna House, and Sandgate School, amongst many others.

A community group and their artwork(Image: Kendal Torchlight Gathering)

Organisers state that, for these people in the community, Torchlight gives them the chance to be involved in ‘accessible creativity’ and will give them the opportunity to be celebrated by the wider community.

Torchlight workshop leader Lana Grindley said: “These Torchlight workshops aren’t just about making art - they’re about building connection, confidence, and visibility within our Kendal community.

“For many participants, especially those with disabilities or additional needs, it can be one of the few spaces where creativity is fully accessible and celebrated.”

The workshop leader continued by touching on the ‘sense of belonging’ that those who have been involved in the creative process gain from the experience, as well as how the workshops allow participants’ creative voices to not be left unheard.