Published March 6th, 2018
A celebration evening was held in Padstow recently to distribute to local charities almost £6,000 raised last year by the Friends of Padstow Christmas Festival.
The four-day annual event, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the harbourside town, is one of the largest of its kind in the country. It was conceived from a collective desire to make the town a year-round tourist destination and give a much-needed out-of-season boost to its towns, shops and cafés.
Fundraising events are held throughout the year to raise money for local charities.
“It’s really important for us to say a big thank you to the local community which supports the festival so well ever year” said festival organiser Tina Evans.
“We divided the money raised between a number of different charities and schools. It’s always so great to hear about the different projects the donations help to fund.”
Trevisker Primary School, which was given £1,000, described the festival as a vital community event.
“The money we received has helped us reach our target amount for a new stage in our school hall, for which we have been fundraising over the past year,” said Trevisker’s Head of School, Collene Thorpe.
“Taking part in the Padstow lantern parade is always a highlight for us in the run up to Christmas.
“The children love to get involved with making the lanterns and we always have a wonderful evening.”
Mrs Evans attributes the successful running of the festival to her 50-strong troop of volunteers, who help with all aspects of the event.
She said: “Without our volunteers, the festival wouldn’t be possible. They do so much, from selling merchandise to manning entrances and exits and handing out programmes.”
This year’s Christmas festival runs from 6 to 9 December.
ENDS
The charities benefiting from donations are:
Padstow Tourist Information Centre
Padstow Christmas Lights
Padstow under 9’s Football Club
Padstow Girls FC
Padstow Girl Guides/Brownies/Rainbows
Padstow Sea Cadets
St Petrocs Senior Citizen Club
Padstow School
Padstow Pre-School
Trevisker School, St Eval
Trevisker Pre-School
St Merryn School
St Merryn Pre-School
St Issey School
Padstow Museum
Padstow Kernow Players
Padstow Memorial Hall
Wadebridge Camels Junior and Minis
