DAZZLING dancers and Raptor Rex the dinosaur are just some of the performers taking part in this year's 35th Kendal Torchlight Carnival on Friday, which will include an after-procession party for the first time.

More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the two-mile long cavalcade of lights, music and colour as it parties around the town centre in front of an expected bumper 35,000 crowd.

This year's theme is Beat of the Feet Culture of Carnival'.

Torchlight chairman Ron Clancy said this promises to be a great year: "When you start putting the entries together, you get a feeling about how it will go and we are probably looking forward to the best ever Kendal Torchlight Carnival.

"We chose this particular theme because over the years people have said they haven't got a big wagon to put in but this is just a pointer to the people to say you can do it on your feet."

Preceeding the carnival during the civic reception there will be a brief ceremony to mark the twinning of Kendal with Killarney in Ireland following the practice established in 1992 when Kendal was twinned with Rinteln of Germany.

Once the roads are closed and cleared at about 6.45pm, spectators will be entertained by the street art performers with the main carnival procession including bands, heavy horses and The Barracudas - who took part in the Notting Hill Carnival as a dress rehearsal for Kendal - an hour later.

The procession will wind along Lound Road, Aynam Road and Stramongate passing along Sandes Avenue before turning down Stricklandgate and back towards Lound Road.

The inaugural After Torchlight Carnival Party' will be in the main car park of K Village and will include the announcement of the various prize- winners and presentation of trophies.

The traditional torchlight funfair will be held at Gooseholme until Sunday with more family rides this year in keeping with the theme of offering something for everyone. Mr Clancy said: "It's a wonderful event by the people for the people."