The popular Boldmere Christmas Festival, including its popular lights switch-on event, has been officially cancelled for this year. The organisers, Boldmere Futures, cite severe funding shortages after their grant from Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council was dramatically reduced.

A History of declining funding

The community interest company has seen a steep decline in financial support from the council over recent years. After receiving generous grants of £9,605 in 2022 and £10,000 in 2023, the funding was cut to £7,000 last year. For the 2025 financial year, the grant has been slashed to just £3,000.

The £10,000 funding gap

The cancellation stems from an unsustainable financial gap. The Boldmere Christmas Festivalcosts approximately £22,000 to stage, while it only generates around £12,000 in revenue. This leaves a funding shortfall of roughly £10,000 that has historically been covered by council grants and sporadic sponsorships.

Paul Long, Chairman of Boldmere Futures, expressed his disappointment: “Despite reaching out to local businesses and exploring other grants like the Plan for Neighbourhoods, the financial shortfall made it impossible to proceed this year. Even if funds were found today, it’s too late for 2024.”

Long emphasised the event’s vital role in “boosting community spirit and supporting local businesses in Sutton Coldfield.”

Council response and future of the festival

In a statement, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council explained that its grants are “competitive and often oversubscribed,” and are allocated based on the information provided by applicants.

The council also confirmed that Boldmere Futures has decided not to take the reduced grant for this year and will instead focus on other community projects.

Discussions are ongoing to secure proper funding with the aim of restoring the Boldmere Christmas Festival and lights switch-on in 2026. However, the future of this key Sutton Coldfield event remains uncertain pending a viable, long-term financial solution.