Published December 12th, 2019
Thousands of visitors were welcomed to the county’s biggest Christmas celebrations at this year’s Padstow Christmas Festival.
Held from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 December, the festival included a bustling Christmas Market, community events, and two demonstration theatres featuring a who’s who of culinary A-listers and local hospitality professionals.
From beautifully prepared fish dishes, to curries, mulled cider, artisan bread, and a wide variety of festive produce, the town was awash with the very best that Cornwall has to offer.
Nathan Outlaw opened the event on Thursday with a demonstration to teach some simple techniques for cooking fish and chips. An ambassador for the event, he recognises the significant contribution the festival has for Padstow’s economy.
He commented: “The festival has done so much for the area. It turns what is usually a very quiet week into a busy week, and is when Christmas really starts for me.”
The popular Christmas Market brimmed with gifts, crafts and festive treats for a perfect Cornish Christmas, and with the harbour decorated in sparkling lights – late night shopping and evening dining continued well after the main marquees had closed.
Community events were held throughout the four days including a children’s lantern parade and fireworks display.
On Saturday, at the Santa Fun Run, five year old Jacob Bradder stole the show. Jacob ran three Santa fun runs at the weekend to raise nearly £600 for Children’s Hospice South West and Cornwall Hospice Care.
He ran with his father, James Bradder, and was cheered on by his mum, his grandparents, and sister. Mum, Claire Bradder, said: “Jacob wanted to help others less fortunate than himself and asked how he could make them happy. We provided some ideas and he asked to do all of them. He is hoping to do more fundraising next year.”
Joining the line-up of chefs this year were Clodagh McKenna and Matt Tebbutt, who provided lively, engaging cookery demonstrations which captivated and involved the audience.
On Sunday morning, they joined other leading chefs including Rick Stein, Brian Turner, Mitch Tonks, and Paul Ainsworth at The Big Cornish Breakfast. At the event, they helped cook for and serve 70 people using ingredients provided by local producers. All money raised will be donated to local schools and charities.
Clodagh McKenna said: “It is exciting to see all the local food and drink available at the festival. Rick Stein is my icon and I have learnt a lot from him. His passion for Cornwall and the stories he tells about local produce and where it is sourced are evident. You can’t help but feel inspired.”
The event closed a little early due to the imminent arrival of storm Atiyah, but spirits were not dampened for the last demonstration of the festival – a spontaneous cook-off by Matt Tebbutt which involved members of the audience.
Festival organiser, Tina Evans, says: “Our thanks go to all the local volunteers, chefs, sponsors and local businesses who all pull together to make this the most popular Christmas market in the county. Without their support, the festival simply could not happen.”
For more information visit padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk.
