Christmas Lights Switch-On 2011 

Kendal's Christmas Lights were switched on by the Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Jonathan Brook at 4.45 pm on Sunday 20 November 2011 in the Market Place. 

A parade including Father Christmas and his reindeer left K Village for the Market Place at 3.30 pm and was accompanied by Lucy who designed the winning entry for the Mayor of Kendal's 2011 Christmas Card.

Carols were sung at the Birdcage by Dean Gibson School along with Kendal Salvation Army Band. More musical entertainment was broadcast from Lakeland Radio in the Market Place.  A Hot Chocolate and Gluwein stand was staffed by Kendal Town Councillors and raised over £300 for the Mayors Charity Kendal Family Drop in Centre.
   
Kendal's town centre has for more than ten years been illuminated for around six weeks from mid November to early January by a display of Christmas lights that brightens up the town for local families and retail visitors/tourist alike. 

The switch-on ceremony provides charities, school choirs, street performers and retailers with an opportunity to appeal to our Sunday shoppers.   

KENDAL CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH WORKBASE
After the success of installing a large tree-based sculpture at Cumbrias' award winning festival Kendal Calling 2011, Workbase approached Kendal Town Council to see if they could design and
construct the towns Christmas decorations for this year.  The Town Council accepted the designs and offered funding for materials. 

The brief was challenging and included that it should be a foolproof design which was lightweight, waterproof and looked effective during the day and night while keeping a traditional element.  It also had to fit the tree, which as it is not yet in situ, meant the Workbase design has been made to be flexible.  Workbase hope that they will achieve all of these elements in a colourful and spirit enhancing creation.

There have been at least 16 service-users involved with the project.  Much of the work is being done during the Well-Art sessions held at Workbase on a Friday morning, which are open to anyone.The feedback has been that service-users have all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and said it was fun, relaxing and made them feel like they had been part of a worthwhile and exciting project, which will get them into town to see their work in -situ.

As well as being a therapeutic and innovative community project to help people suffering from mental health, it also shows that important connections are being made between local council, local charities, mental health and our community.

To contact Workbase please see their website www.workbase-kendal.co.uk