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 Saturday afternoon shoppers.

Christmas lights 2008 switch on

15th November at The Birdcage.

The afternoon opened with Lakeland Radio DJ's broadcasting from the market place.  The crowds soon gathered to see Father Christmas and 2 of his Raindeer, Peter Rabbit and Welliphant were also there to meet the children and join in the fun.  The Salvation Army entertained the crowds with Christmas Carols. 

 The Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson and the Town Crier Richard Mathews, toured the town in a beautiful horse drawn carriage with Kendal's local hero Mrs Pat Moffat and some young people seated in the carriage. 

At 4pm the countdown began and Mrs Moffat turned on the Christmas lights.  For the finale, the Bay's Got Talent winner sang for the crowds.