Organisers of Kendal’s Torchlight event have confirmed the event will not be taking place this year.
Rising costs and reduced funding have contributed to the event’s cancellation but the team behind the autumn event described the decision as a pause with purpose.
Organisers said: “After much careful thought, we’ve made the difficult but responsible decision to postpone Kendal Torchlight for 2026.
“Rising operational costs and reduced confirmed funding mean we cannot deliver the safe, vibrant event our community deserves this year.
“This is a pause with purpose. Pressing pause is incredibly hard, but it is the right decision to protect the future of this much loved tradition.
“We’ll be using this year to reset, rebuild and reimagine Torchlight, working with our community, partners and supporters to create a sustainable plan for the future so it can return in 2027 stronger than ever.
“Torchlight has always belonged to the people of Kendal. If you’d like to help shape its future as a volunteer, business, community group, artist or supporter we’d love to hear from you.”
Since 1970 the Kendal Torchlight Procession has brought communities together and is run by a small group of volunteers.
Appealing for funds last year, organisers said the 55th anniversary event, it needed to meet a fundraising target of £10,000 by the July 31.
Today, the group pledged that the event would return. It added: “Torchlight will be back. And with your support, it will shine brighter than ever.”
