Boldmere Christmas Market in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, has been cancelled for the second year in a row after the town council voted against funding the event.
The not-for-profit group Boldmere Futures CIC, which organises the market, said the decision means the Christmas Festival may not return unless alternative funding is found.
Funding shortfall blamed for cancellation
Paul Long, chairman of Boldmere Futures CIC, announced the news on Facebook. He said the festival, which began 15 years ago under the Boldmere Traders' Association, may now be lost. "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, and so unless we can find alternative funding, then this is a goodbye from the Christmas Festival," he wrote.
"The reason given was that the festival was not financially sustainable," he added.
The festival costs £24,000 to run, while stalls, the funfair, and street food bring in £14,000. Voluntary entrance donations also help cover core running costs. "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 message explained.
Reaction from residents and businesses
Mr Long described the decision as "a big blow for our high street, which relies on events like this to remain open." He contrasted the council's support with "a few dull flowers, wi-fi that is not needed, and the occasional visit from town rangers."
Residents shared their disappointment on social media. One called the move "very disappointing and short-sighted of Sutton Town Council," adding that Boldmere is a thriving high street attended by people from across Sutton. Another joked "Scrooge is alive and well," while a business owner said they were "gutted" by the decision.
The Daily Express has contacted Sutton Coldfield Town Council for comment.
