Boldmere Christmas Festival cancelled for second year in a row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:08 · Archive

Boldmere Christmas Festival in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, has been cancelled for 2026, marking the second year the event has been axed. The festival, which had run for 15 years before cancellation, requires £24,000 to stage, including costs for road closures, insurance, security and first aid. Income from rides, market stalls and street food vendors generates only £14,000, creating a £10,000 shortfall.

Organisers Boldmere Futures CIC approached Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to cover the deficit but reportedly 'weren't offered a penny'. The council voted to refuse funding, stating that 'the festival was not financially sustainable'. Paul Long, chairman of Boldmere Futures CIC, criticised the decision, claiming the council has £6 million in reserves and that the festival is 'the largest cultural event in Sutton Coldfield'.

Local residents have reacted with disappointment on social media, with one claiming 'Scrooge is alive and well'. Others have suggested practical ways to fundraise the remaining money needed. Some residents described the market as one of their favourite events to bring their businesses to.

How it is being reported

• Major Christmas market axed for second year in a row leaving residents reelingThe Christmas market’s future is hanging in the balance Locals have claimed ‘Scrooge is alive and well’ after funding cuts forced a popular Christmas Market in the Midlands to be scrapped. Boldmere Christmas Festival, on the outskirts of Birmingham , had been running for 15 years before the…Metro · 21 Oct, 15:53
• Popular UK Christmas market axed for 2026 - ‘Scrooge is alive and well’The event's organisers have hit out at the local council, accusing it of failing to support the market with funding.Daily Express · 20 Oct, 19:37

In this story: Boldmere Christmas Festival · Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Boldmere Futures CIC · Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council · Paul Long

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