Kendal Torchlight Carnival

Kendal’s Torchlight Carnival is one of a kind. Each year swarms of Kendalians hits the streets to watch the procession, which has traditionally involved local businesses, schools, organisations and clubs. From decorated floats to dancing troups and marching musicians, it’s always so much fun to see what our creative community has come up with each year.

The theme for 2022 will be revealed soon.

Founded in 1970, Kendal Torchlight Carnival weekend attracts around 30,000 people to Kendal each year.

The Carnival Procession and Street Party celebrate the traditions, creativity, diversity and vision of local people, as they celebrate all that makes a place and its communities great. The Carnival sees around 1800 local and visiting ‘processionists’ from schools, local businesses, voluntary and community groups.

The Carnival winds their way through the streets of Kendal creating an extravaganza of weird and wonderful contraptions, masks and costumes, dancers, musicians and artists.

The Kendal Torchlight procession takes place on the Friday evening with a Street Party on the Saturday afternoon.

Over the two dates, Kendal town centre will be filled with fun, music, creativity and dance for everyone to enjoy!

See the Kendal Torchlight Carnival website for more information.

Why Not Try

Kendal has a packed calendar of events and festivals taking place across the year. Here’s just a few more ideas to plan your next visit around or see our Events & Festivals page for a full events, exhibitions and performances listing. There’s always something going on in Kendal!