THE Lakeland Festival of Light returns on April 6, and will this year be supporting the Michelle Jurd Trust.

Since 2015, the Lakeland Festival of Light series has raised over £77,500 for various charities. The event is completely non-profit and raises money through donations.

The event takes place on Catbells, with participants asked to meet at the Rawnsley Centre car park in Keswick at 5.30pm, for an event briefing before walking up the hill.

But organisers have urged festival goers to ensure they make a donation, after last year saw record numbers of people on the mountain - but one of the lowest totals.

In a statement on social media, organiser and director of Lakeland Mountain Guides, Matt Le Voi said: "Over the last couple of years it is sadly clear that many people are attending the event and not making any sort of donation. Last year we had record numbers on the mountain, and one of our lowest totals.

"I appreciate not all can donate much, but the average donation per person would have been less than £3, and we know many people donated £20 or more, plus we collected hundreds from onlookers by the Lake!

"So, if you plan on attending, please aim to make a donation and support this totally not-for-profit event. Our costs of running the event are low, and I give my time for free to pull this thing off - which means maximum funds can go to the deserving charity.

"The effort that goes into the event every year is only increasing as the festival grows, and so it would be nice to see the funds raised represent that effort. If the 2024 festival is taken advantage of again, then it may be the last."

After 'careful consideration' organisers have said the event will remain as the same set up as previous years. The concept, they say, is very basic:

- You do not need a ticket to attend the event
- You do need to make a donation to the supported charity. The charity for 2024 will again be The Michelle Jurd Trust.
- Donations can be made on the night in cash, or via a link
- Simply turn up on the night at the meet point in Keswick, support the event by buying some raffle tickets too, enjoy a walk to Catbells, light it up once it goes dark, and then walk back to Keswick with a smile on your face