A Facebook group has been launched against the “desecration” of Truro Cathedral by the annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball.

The anonymous admin of the group, called Stop the New Year’s Eve Desecration of Truro Cathedral, claims event organisers invite people to a night of “rambunctious” behaviour and “whimsical decadence”.

“Bands and acts stand at what looks like the altar performing, to the crowd,” they say. “This is nothing less than a desecration of God's house and needs to be opposed.”

Organised by Newquay-based Quick Panda Events, which also manages events including The Great Estate and Little Orchard Festival, the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball – which is in its fourth year - promises “the most fabulous of evenings” complete with red carpet, champagne bar, live music, aerial acrobatics, lasers and a silent disco “into the wee hours”. 

The admin adds: “Alcohol is complimentary on arrival and for sale in the cathedral at makeshift bars. Entertainers perform through the night, some suspended from the internal architecture, some dressed as representations of an angel and a devil.”

The group, which has 63 members, posts media reports detailing resistance towards similar events in other UK cathedrals.

The Facebook appeal has drawn dozens of comments, largely in the cathedral’s favour. An anonymous participant said: “Innovation for the Church of England to be creative in ways to support the reality of upkeep for these magnificent buildings should be celebrated, not frowned upon.

“I would suggest that the bishop has approved such uses for the building and as such, if you are as Christian as you might suggest you are, you should support the church as it evolves into the next chapter of living within a modern society.”

Others said the event images looked “cool” and asked where they could buy tickets.

In a statement, chief operating officer Sean O’Neill said the cathedral welcomed both sacred and social gatherings, some of which go towards funding operating costs of about £1.1-million per year.

“While our main focus is Christian worship and festivals, we also welcome various community and commercial events to engage with a diverse range of communities and sustain the cathedral,” he said. “The decision to host such events is made thoughtfully, weighing the benefits against any potential conflicts with our core beliefs. We aim to harmonise the diverse facets of our existence, understanding that not everyone will agree with these choices.”

He added that the ball was just one in a range of events, from contemporary and classical concerts, family days and art installations.

“The New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is a valued annual event and we are proud to host it,” he continued. “It is professionally organised and well-supported by dedicated security, first-aid and event staff. We're pleased with the positive behaviour of attendees and the lack of incidents over the past three years.

“As with many of the commercial and community events, certain areas of the cathedral are off-limits, ensuring respect for the sacred space.”

A spokesperson for Quick Panda Productions said the ball had become “a firm favourite in Cornwall’s winter calendar”.

“We work very closely with the Truro Cathedral team to deliver our New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s a privilege to be able to put on this event in such a spectacular location, knowing that all the events held there are helping to protect its future as a heritage building.”