THIS year's Kendal Torchlight Procession will see more than 2,000 people taking part in the annual parade.

Organisers promise that the 33rd event will be better than ever and that the theme Anniversaries and Celebrations has provided entrants with much food for thought.

This year there will be none of the usual TV celebrities - instead children's favourite Peter Rabbit will be celebrating his 100th birthday in style as he greets the crowds from the back seat of a Jaguar.

Among the 125 entries are the Furness-based Barracudas.

The exotic carnival display band, who are no strangers to the procession, wind up a hectic national tour after performances at the Notting Hill Carnival, Manchester Commonwealth Games and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations earlier this year.

On a more traditional note, the Westmorland Step and Garland Dancers make their return accompanied by dancers from around the country to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Old favourites are ever faithful as the heavy horses, historical cars and vehicles, steam engines and the Kendal Sea Cadets make an appearance.

Affected roads will close at 6.45pm and the event kicks off at 7pm when entertainers will bring the car-free streets to life as jugglers, musicians, dancers and mime artists perform for the crowds.

The main procession begins at 7.45pm from the K Village Outlet Shop, Lound Road, and this year's charity partner the Royal National Lifeboats will be selling programmes and taking a street collection.

Torchlight Procession committee chairman Ron Clancy said that it had been a hectic 12 months and estimated that this year's event has cost £40,000 to put on.

"Everything is under control and it is going to be a big procession.

People won't be disappointed.

They come especially to Kendal for this weekend from all over the country because there is something for everyone - horses, steam engines, bands, the lot.

"It will be another great night, people will enjoy themselves and that is what it is all about.

Unfazed by the unlucky date, Friday 13th, and the possible downpours, he added: "The procession is always a success because it has kept its ethos - it is simply by the people for the people."

See our Photogallery section for photos from last year's event.