Published November 27th, 2015
Final preparations are under way for the eighth annual Padstow Christmas Festival, which takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2015.
The free-to-attend event, which was awarded tourism event of the year in this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards, has become the largest food festival in Cornwall. 45,000 visitors are anticipated over the four days.
This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses across two stages, starting at 12 noon on Thursday 3 December in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre and separate Festival Kitchen, supported by GWR and St Austell Brewery.
A stellar line-up of chefs including Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw, Ashley Palmer Watts, Angela Hartnett and James Martin will be cooking in front of live audiences.
Paul Ainsworth, chef patron of Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 in Padstow, said, “Padstow is a very special place particularly in the run up to Christmas. I think that is why the event is so popular and grows every year.
“I urge everyone to add Padstow Christmas Festival to their ‘one of life’s experiences’ list.”
The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday on Thursday with over 100 stalls featuring arts, crafts, and food and drink producers from across the south west.
Visitors will be able to choose from numerous eating options, both from the festival’s pop-up food stalls, and in the town’s restaurants. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days.
For more information and to see a full programme of events, visit www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk.
THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– Cookery demo from chef Nathan Outlaw at 12 noon in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Festive cocktails masterclass from Tristan Stephenson at 4pm in The Festival Kitchen.
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– Cookery demos by Rick Stein, Gizzi Erskine and Sophie Michell, and Paul Ainsworth andJohn Walton from Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, from 1.30pm in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Food forum featuring Jill Stein and sons at 4.45pm in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Interior designer Teri Walter leads a ‘tart up your table’ workshop at 5pm in The Festival Kitchen.
– Lantern parade and the arrival of Father Christmas at 6pm, followed by a fireworks display over the harbour at 8.30pm.
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– Chef demos from Angela Hartnett and Neil Borthwick, Brian Turner and Nigel Haworth, and Michael Caines from 10am in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Food forum with Rick Stein and food writer Xanthe Clay from 12 noon in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Santa vs. Rudolph Fun Run and Cycle in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care from 1pm.
– Sharp’s Brewery ‘Beer Bingo’ at 2pm in The Festival Kitchen.
SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– ‘Ask the Chefs’ food forum hosted by Brian Turner at 10.30am in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Chef demos from Mitch Tonks and Mark Hix, and James Martin from 11.30am in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
– Christmas cake decorating masterclass at 3.30pm in The Festival Kitchen.
– Carol service at St Petroc’s Church at 6pm.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Padstow Christmas Festival
Now in its eighth year, the Padstow Christmas Festival brings together locals and visitors with a mixture of music, arts, food, drink, live cookery demonstrations and festive entertainment.
The free-to-attend, not for profit event takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2015 in Padstow, north Cornwall.
Padstow Christmas Festival is a free-to-attend, not for profit event.
Ticket information: tickets for demos will be available in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre approximately one hour before the demo starts. Everyone must leave the theatre between each demo. Tickets are free but a donation for local charities is appreciated.
The Padstow Festival Cookbook and calendar are both available to purchase via Padstow Tourist Information Centre and will be on sale during the festival.
