Kendal's series of concerts from visiting orchestras is under new management from this October.

The Lakeland Sinfonia, who have successfully managed the series for many years, have handed over the reins to the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

This decision was made to ensure the long-term viability of professional music-making in Kendal.

The Royal Northern Sinfonia, based at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead, already manage concert series in Middlesbrough and Carlisle.

They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Kendal concerts, which will continue to be held at the Westmorland Hall in Kendal Leisure Centre.

The Lakeland Sinfonia, meanwhile, will focus on offering an enhanced programme of local events, including 'live and local' concerts alongside the larger-scale ones at the Westmorland Hall.

The two organisations are working together to ensure a smooth transition.

The new Kendal Classics series, which includes performances from the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Hallé, has already sold more than 1,000 tickets.

The upcoming year will see the introduction of a celebratory Viennese-style New Year concert.

Ticket prices and discounts have been simplified, with a 10 per cent discount for those booking two concerts at once, and a flat rate of £5 for under 30s.

James Thomas, director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, said: "Kendal has long been an important part of Royal Northern Sinfonia’s touring schedule, so we have been delighted to be invited to look after the series and its future development.

"The series has been brilliantly nurtured by Lakeland Sinfonia over the years and has built a loyal following, and we’re keen to keep that while hopefully bringing in new fans with our simplified ticket offers, range of events and enhanced marketing of the concerts."

John Pollard of Lakeland Sinfonia added: "As we looked to secure the future of the series it made sense for us to find a way to allow each organisation to play to its strengths.

"Royal Northern Sinfonia already run several series of concerts away from its Gateshead home, and with Royal Northern Sinfonia handling the concerts by visiting orchestras, this allows us to focus on growing Lakeland Sinfonia itself and put fresh energy into our own series of Lakeland Classics."

Kendal Classics will kick off on October 26 with the Royal Northern Sinfonia joined by pianist Stephen Hough.

The series will continue with a further six concerts until May 2025.

Full details available at lakelandsinfonia.org.uk.