Published December 9th, 2015
Padstow welcomed record numbers to this year’s winter festival with more than 50,000 visitors across the four days, from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December.
Now in its eighth year, the free-to-attend event has steadily grown to become one of the most popular food festivals in the south west. Over half of visitors travelled to Padstow from outside Cornwall to watch chef demonstrations, shop in the Christmas market, and enjoy all that the town has to offer.
The entertainment away from the demo stages also drew in the crowds with the spectacular fireworks display on the Friday night a particular highlight.
Tina Evans, festival organiser, said, “This year’s festival has been a big success, and even busier than last year, particularly on the Thursday and Friday.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came: the chefs who travelled down to Padstow, our generous sponsors, and my team of volunteers who give up their time for nothing. Without them the event wouldn’t be possible. They work so hard to make sure those visiting have a good time and enjoy the experience.”
The not-for-profit event is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been involved since the first festival in 2008. The festival is also supported by a number of sponsors including Sharp’s Brewery, GWR and St Austell Brewery.
Nick White, events manager for Sharp’s Brewery, said: “The festival has, without a doubt, consolidated itself as an integral part of the national food and drink calendar and we’re delighted to continually support as the main sponsors.
“Despite the challenging weather, the crowds were out in force. The Sharp’s Chefs Theatre was the star of the show as people queued around the harbour to catch a glimpse of their favourite chef. Also hugely successful was our ‘Sharp’s Secret Bar’ which was visited by many of the chefs as well as lots of lucky festival-goers.”
The event last month won gold for event of the year in the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2015/16, and is a finalist in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Exeter Cathedral on 4 February 2016.
Next year’s Padstow Christmas Festival is to take place from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 December 2016.
