Published July 14th, 2016
The organisers of Padstow Christmas Festival have revealed plans for this year’s event which will take place from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 December 2016.
Now in its ninth year, the award-winning free event is Cornwall’s largest food festival, expected to welcome over 50,000 visitors.
Taking place in the heart of Padstow, the volunteer-run event is famous for its traditional Christmas market, packed with more than 100 artisan crafts, food and drink producers from across the country.
The two chef stages will also be returning featuring over 60 demonstrations during the four day festival. Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth are confirmed for the line up, as well as some new faces.
Tina Evans, festival organiser, said: “We will be announcing the full line up of chefs in the coming months but already confirmed are lots of familiar faces including Angela Hartnett, Michael Caines and Simon Hulstone. We’re also looking forward to welcoming José Pizarro and Sat Bains for the first time.”
Originally from Spain, José Pizarro has opened a trio of restaurants in London and written three critically-acclaimed books celebrating Spanish cooking. Sat Bains is chef patron of two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham.
Compèred by BBC Radio Cornwall, chefs will share tips and recipes with visitors in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre and separate Festival Stage, sponsored by St Austell Brewery and Booker Wholesale. The festival’s packed programme of events includes food forums, themed workshops, and chef ‘Q&As’.
Nathan Outlaw, chef patron of Restaurant Nathan Outlaw and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, will be opening the festival on Thursday 1st December in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
Nathan said: “The festival has a huge impact on both Padstow and Cornwall, encouraging people to visit in the otherwise quieter winter months.
The county has developed a fantastic reputation for food. Visitors to the festival can take advantage of eating at some of Cornwall’s best restaurants during their trip.”
The Festival Stage, located in the large Christmas marquee, will showcase the talents of many of the county’s best chefs.
Nick White, Events Manager at Sharp’s Brewery, said: “We are excited to be returning as headline sponsors of Padstow Christmas Festival and hosting the fabulous chef talent in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
“Being on the coast at Christmas is really magical and the wonderful team have turned Padstow Christmas Festival into a must-attend event that really puts our home turf on the map. We will be offering visitors a great selection of Sharp’s award-winning beers at the festival and our friendly team from the brewery will be on hand to advise on pairing beer with food.
“We’re also looking forward to hosting the intrepid adventurers who hunt out our very special Secret Bar, and are keen to see as many people as possible joining in with our Beer Bingo, raising the marquee roof with fun festive cheer! Finally, we are really proud to be sponsoring the entertainment at the revamped Doom Bar Bandstand – set to keep everyone smiling.”
Other festival highlights include a spectacular firework display on the Friday night, live music, pop-up food stalls and the chance to visit Santa’s grotto.
The volunteer-run festival won gold for Event of the Year in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and bronze for the same category in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2015/16.
Keep checking the festival website as more updates will be added in the coming months.
