A town council has given more than £3,000 to choirs in the area to celebrate its anniversary.

Kendal Town Council has given the money to the choirs who will get together to put on a concert to celebrate the council's 450th anniversary in 2025.

In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I granted a borough charter of incorporation to the town.

This allowed it to become self-governing, making it one of the first in the North West to achieve this status.

The charter gave the borough council legal status, a formal constitution, a borough seal, and much civic dignity.

The borough's governance was led by 12 burgesses, with one appointed as the alderman or chief magistrate.

However, there was no office of mayor until another charter was granted by King Charles I in 1636.

Additionally, the governance structure included a chief legal officer and 24 assistants or general councillors.

However, those holding these posts were not allowed to vote.

The Kendal South choir will be joining the event  (Image: Supplied)

Starting in 1575, meeting minutes and records of decisions began to be formally documented.

The influential trade guilds were also integrated into the town's governance structure.

These guilds regulated the quality and entry into trades, including those related to woollen goods, tanning, and construction.

To celebrate the occasion, the Kendal South (mixed) choir, FELLas (male voice) community choir, Amabile (female voice) choir, and Poco Amabile (children’s) choir, all under the direction of Geoffrey Field, will perform Carl Orff's popular secular work 'Carmina Burana' at Kendal Parish Church on May 10, 2025.

The Amabile Choir (Image: Supplied)

Composed in 1935 by Mr Orff, the work is based on 24 poems from the 11th to 13th centuries, adding a historical dimension that aligns closely with the anniversary's theme.

The poems explore different topics, including the unpredictability of fortune and wealth, the fleeting nature of life, and the joy of spring's return.

Some soloists will take part, and a group of percussionists will be a major component of the concert.

The choirs invite all interested singers to join by contacting Jean Robinson at kendalsouthchoir1@gmail.com for more information and an application form.

No prior singing experience is necessary, and some of the choirs do not require auditions.