Cornwall Christmas Fair Raises £68k to Support Communities Across Cornwall

Newquay Foodbank to Extend Hours Thanks to Festive Funds

The Cornwall Christmas Fair, held at the Eden Project in November, raised an impressive £68,000 to support charities and community groups across the county.

A significant portion of the funds will go to Newquay Foodbank, enabling it to open an extra two days a week from January through April. The foodbank’s opening hours will extend from three days to five, helping meet growing demand during the challenging winter months.

Supporting Cornwall’s Most Vulnerable

The money raised will also help the Cornwall Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Fund, which provides vital support to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents by helping them stay warm during colder months.

Other charities and organisations set to benefit include:

• WILD Young Parents Project
• St Petrocs
• The Women’s Centre Cornwall
• Young & Talented Cornwall
• WithYou drug and alcohol support

The funds will be distributed through the Cornwall Community Foundation and were generated through sponsorship, ticket sales, and contributions from stallholder takings.

A Community Effort

The annual fair, organised entirely by volunteers, featured over 60 market stalls alongside food, drink, and festive entertainment. Co-Chair Kate Holborow said: “This year’s Cornwall Christmas Fair was a wonderfully sparkly event with over 60 market stalls, food and drink, and festivities. Thank you to everyone who came, shopped and helped make such a difference to communities across Cornwall.

“Winter is an especially difficult time so this money will make a direct and instant impact on people’s lives. It wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of our wonderful sponsors, stallholders, Fair visitors and the Eden Project.”

Sponsors Making a Difference

The success of the 2024 fair was made possible by the generosity of sponsors and supporters, including:

• Lillicrap Chilcott
• Wildanet
• Rodda’s
• Evelyn Partners
• The Cornwall Bakery
• Eden Project
• Trevornick Holiday Park
• Porthilly Spirit
• Seasalt Cornwall
• Baker Tom’s Bread
• Stacks Property Search
• Coodes Solicitors
• Impress51
• St Austell Printing Company
• Jarrang
• Truro High School
• St Austell Brewery
• The Old Ship Hotel
• Wild Card

With the success of this year’s fair, organisers and supporters alike can look forward to making an even bigger impact in the years to come. The event continues to highlight the power of community, bringing people together to support those who need it most in Cornwall.

Photo: Cornwall Christmas Fair volunteer committee – Photo Credit Toby Weller