A SEA of lanterns set sail across Talkin Tarn on Sunday as the third Lake of Lights event took place.

Hundreds of people turned out to remember their loved ones at the special event, which was organised by Carlisle’s Eden Valley Hospice.

The evening, which started shortly after 6pm, was a chance to remember those no longer here in a unique way and mark the lives of every single person cared for by the hospice over the years at the popular beauty spot.

Despite the number of lanterns being down on previous years, the hospice received lots of donations from those who attended.

Each lantern, inscribed with a heartfelt message, and also containing a small LED light, was assembled onto a giant barge, which slowly ventured out across the water, timed especially to coincide with the moon emerging from behind the cloudy skies.

Before the barge made its way across to light up the lake, a minute’s silence was held to remember all those who were no longer here.

And as the skies began to darken, the mood turned sombre among the crowds who took the time to reflect and say goodbye to their loved ones.

There were emotional scenes as everyone watched the twinkling lanterns venture further and further out to the middle of the lake.

As the crowds looked on, young singers from Carlisle-based theatre and production company Staged Right gave a poignant and uplifting performance.

While the emotional event proved too much for some attendees, many took to Facebook after the event.

Heather Hedley posted: “Lovely evening remembering those we’ve lost. Sooo pretty x.”

Lesley Ann Norman said: “A lovely evening at the Tarn - Light up the Lake/Lake of Lights.”

Amy Potter posted: “Lovely evening remembering special people.”

At the first-ever event in 2016, more than 2,000 people attended,exceeding all the organisers’ expectations.

All of the money raised from the event, plus any additional donations, will go towards helping the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to people across Cumbria with life limiting illnesses.

For more information about Eden Valley Hospice, and for details on how to make a donation, visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org