THE primary sponsor behind a cancelled Christmas festival has reacted to the news that it will no longer go ahead.

Padstow Christmas Festival, which has been at the centrepiece of the harbour town’s build up to Christmas has said that it will no longer go ahead amid rising costs of hosting the event.

It is understood that traders who had already booked a place with a non-refundable deposit will not get it back.

In an email to traders, the organisers said: “It is with great sadness and regret that I have been left with no alternative but to cancel the 2024 Padstow Christmas Festival. With escalating costs and lack of sponsorship the event has become financially non-viable.

“Having paid out deposits and initial costs it has become painfully obvious that the festival could not carry on. So to minimise the financial loss as far as possible to cancel now is the best option.

“We could have carried on but I know in my heart of hearts that I would have had to cancel later on and then the financial loss to all would have been much greater. My sincere apologies to you all. It has been a great 17 years and I know some of you have supported us for many many years and I am truly sorry that we can not continue.

“I wish you all well for the future. You all have great products so I know whatever events you decide to do you will all be successful."

One of the primary sponsors behind the event, Rock-based Sharps Brewery said it understood the difficulties facing the event industry and that as a long standing supporter, it was sad to see its loss.

Sharp's Brewery's events manager, Nick White said, “As a longstanding loyal and primary sponsor we were onboard and excited to support this year’s Padstow Christmas Festival.

“We're deeply saddened by the decision to cancel it but understand the difficulties facing the event industry and suppliers in the current economic climate. We extend our sympathy to all behind the event who have already worked so hard to try and make it happen and recognise what a difficult decision this must have been to make.

“Taking place just over the water from us in Rock, the fantastic event is so dear to all of us at Sharp's. It brings Padstow's harbourside to life during an otherwise quiet period and the whole town and beyond benefits greatly from the boosted footfall over that weekend. Since its inception, all those years ago, it has almost become synonymous with Padstow, which, come December is abuzz with celebrity chefs, incredible food and drink and a wonderful festive feeling. We're so proud to have played a part in that for over a decade."