Padstow Christmas Festival 2024 has been cancelled, say organisers

Updated 5 minutes ago

A popular seaside Christmas festival has been canceled due to what organizers said were “unforeseen circumstances”.

Padstow Christmas Festival 2024 announced the news on the event’s website.

Sharp’s Brewery, the main sponsor of the event, said it was “deeply saddened” by the decision.

Organizers said the event was no longer viable due to “increasing costs and a lack of sponsorship”.

Nick White, events manager at Sharp’s Brewery, said that as a “long-standing and loyal title sponsor”, the company is delighted to be supporting this year’s event.

“We are deeply saddened by the decision to cancel but understand the difficulties the events industry and suppliers are facing in the current economic climate,” he said.

Organizer Tina Evans wrote to traders saying she was left with no alternative but to cancel the event.

She said: “After paying the initial deposits and costs, it became painfully obvious that the festival could not go ahead.”

“So to minimize financial loss as much as possible, canceling now is the best option.”

The annual event, which would have marked its 17th year in 2024, featured demonstrations from top chefs and stall holders.

Mr White said the brewery extended its sympathies to those behind the event and admitted a “difficult decision” had been made.

He said the festival benefited the city “a lot” and beyond.

“Since its inception all those years ago, it has almost become synonymous with Padstow,” he said.

“What December is all about is celebrity chefs, incredible food and drink and a wonderful sense of celebration.

“We’re so proud to have played a part in this for over a decade.”

Kim Conchie, chief executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said he was “very surprised” by the cancellation of the festival.

“It’s one of those events that has become a very important part of the Cornwall calendar,” he said.

“I was doubly surprised that this kind of announcement is happening at the beginning of May.

“Normally if an event like this is going to fail it’s because there aren’t enough stall bookings near the event, but we all know it’s been a huge success for many years.”

George Malde, owner of Cornish Rock Gin, said he paid £4,000 to sponsor the event.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“Cornwall’s best festival has been cancelled”.