Christmas market cancelled for SECOND year in a row as locals fume with council for refusing funding

Paul Long, who chairs the community interest company, broke the news on Facebook, writing: “After 15 years since it was started by the then Boldmere Traders’ Association, it now seems that we will no longer have a Christmas Festival in Boldmere.

“So unless we can find alternative funding, then this is a goodbye from the Christmas Festival.”

According to Mr Long, councillors voted against providing money for the celebration for the second year running.

The event requires £24,000 to stage, while income generated through market stalls, the funfair, and street food vendors amounts to roughly £14,000. Voluntary entrance donations also contribute towards the organisation’s core operating expenses.

Mr Long explained that his group approached the council for funds to bridge the gap between costs and revenue, expecting at least a partial grant.

He said: “We asked for funding that would cover the shortfall and our core running costs, expecting at least a partial grant, but we weren’t offered a penny.”

The council justified withholding support by saying the festival lacked financial sustainability, according to the organiser.

With no alternative funding source identified yet, the future of the beloved community gathering now hangs in the balance, potentially ending a tradition stretching back a decade and a half.

Mr Long did not hold back in his criticism of the council’s priorities, arguing that the authority offers little of value to the local high street beyond “a few dull flowers, wi-fi that is not needed, and the occasional visit from town rangers.”

He added: “The festival was always an opportunity for members of the public to have some fun together as a community, for local small businesses to sell their artisan products and for new businesses to try out a low-cost artisan market stalls.”

The news sparked a wave of frustration on social media, with locals venting their anger at the council’s decision.

One resident described the move as “very disappointing and short-sighted,” adding: “Boldmere is a thriving high street, and they should support it with engagement activities like these.

“It’s not just for Boldmere residents; people from all over Sutton attend.”

Others resorted to humour to express their displeasure, with one commenter quipping that “Scrooge is alive and well” in reference to the council’s stance.

Local business owners were equally dismayed, with one describing the outcome as “gutting”.

GB News has contacted Sutton Coldfield Council for comment.

It follows a similar decision by councillors in Faversham, after the Kent town confirmed its Christmas night market will not take place this year.

Scaffolding surrounding the historic Guildhall, which is undergoing major restoration, has forced organisers to scrap the festive evening event that typically attracts large crowds to Guildhall Square.

Claire Elliott, the council’s events officer, described pausing the popular celebration as a “difficult decision”.

The night market, normally held between 4pm and 8pm, features seasonal food, craft stalls, carol singing and street entertainment, making it the centrepiece of Faversham’s Christmas calendar.